Africa needs to increase its participation in the green hydrogen value chain over the next three years as projects move from feasibility and planning towards investment, implementation, and large-scale deployment, said Dr Nomalungelo Gina, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Dr Gina called for major projects to support local supply chains, technology development, manufacturing capacity and skills. 

She highlighted South Africa’s Hydrogen South Africa programme, which has developed expertise across catalysts, fuel cells, electrolysers, hydrogen storage, compression and refuelling technologies.

The country’s hydrogen-related intellectual property has been filed in 14 countries, with about 70 per cent linked to commercial products. 

Several catalyst products are already being sold domestically and internationally, while work is underway to establish local manufacturing capacity.

The Eastern Cape is also positioning green hydrogen as a driver of industrial development. Its new Green Hydrogen Strategy aims to attract investment, develop new industries, create jobs and strengthen regional competitiveness. 

The province has more than 2.4 GW of renewable-energy projects operational or under construction, with a pipeline exceeding 10 GW.

Its ports, special economic zones and established automotive and manufacturing base provide infrastructure for future production and exports.

Dr Gina said stronger cooperation among government, industry, academia, investors and international partners would be essential to turn research into commercial opportunities.

South Africa also announced the first wave of national green hydrogen and Power-to-X projects and launched its inaugural Hydrogen Deal Book, supporting the development of an investment-ready project pipeline.