Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala announced that South Africa’s Green Hydrogen National Programme (GHNP) has drawn projects worth over R800 billion since its inclusion in the Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) in 2022. Speaking at the Green Hydrogen Devac conference in Sandton, Johannesburg, Zikalala highlighted that about 20% of these investments are now at the bankable feasibility stage.
The projects, spanning various stages from pre-feasibility to execution, include notable developments such as:
The Isondo Precious Metals (IPM) fuel cell and electrolyser component manufacturing facility in Gauteng
The Prieska Energy Cluster Green Ammonia Production facility in the Northern Cape
The Boegoes Bay Green Hydrogen Port Rail and Infrastructure Project, driven by the Northern Cape Provincial Government
The Hive Green Ammonia export project in the Eastern Cape
The ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) Saldanha Green Steel Project in the Western Cape
The Sasolburg 60MW Hydrogen Production in Gauteng
Deputy Minister Zikalala emphasized that South Africa requires just 1% of its land to support its green hydrogen economy, generating jobs and boosting the national economy. This land is mostly unsuitable for agriculture or human settlements. He added that an additional 5.2 million hectares is available within Renewable Energy Development Zones.
Zikalala pointed out that Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), an entity of the department, has enabled these projects by expediting their approval processes through the gazetting of GHNP as a Strategic Integrated Project (SIP). This streamlining has placed many green hydrogen initiatives on a fast track towards development.
He concluded by urging collaboration between green hydrogen stakeholders and the government to localize the production of upstream and downstream value-added products. Zikalala noted that South Africa has the potential to produce 6 to 13 million tons of green hydrogen and derivatives annually by 2050, positioning the country as a leading investment destination for green hydrogen, with opportunities in green shipping, fertilizer production, electrolyser manufacturing, and port development.