President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to transitioning toward a green energy future, announcing significant developments in the green hydrogen sector during his keynote speech at the Green Hydrogen Summit held in Century City, Cape Town, on Thursday.
Addressing an audience of energy leaders, investors, and international delegates, Ramaphosa said South Africa was making steady progress in building a sustainable hydrogen economy, with more than R1.49 billion already invested in green hydrogen projects.
“This sector has the potential to not only decarbonise major industries but also stimulate inclusive economic growth,” said Ramaphosa, underlining the government’s long-term vision for green hydrogen.
At the centre of this green energy drive is Sasol’s HyShift programme, a flagship initiative supported through a strategic partnership with the European Union (EU). According to Ramaphosa, the project could be a game-changer for South Africa’s clean energy landscape.
“HY SHIFT could anchor demand for up to 20 gigawatts of green hydrogen and represents a scalable model for industrial decarbonisation,” said Ramaphosa.
The president revealed that the HyShift programme includes a bold goal of producing up to 400,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel per year, helping reduce emissions in one of the hardest-to-abate sectors globally.
Ramaphosa Showcases Hydrogen Pilot Projects Across South Africa
Ramaphosa detailed the government’s commitment to fast-tracking various green hydrogen projects nationwide. A pilot project in Sasolburg is already operational, producing green hydrogen for domestic industrial use. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Cape, planning for the Coega Green Ammonia Project is well underway.
“We are proud to say that four more flagship hydrogen projects are in advanced stages and will soon be submitted for Cabinet approval,” Ramaphosa announced.
These projects are part of South Africa’s broader energy transformation strategy, aimed at leveraging the country’s renewable energy potential, particularly from solar and wind sources, to produce green hydrogen and ammonia for export and local consumption.
To support the scale of green hydrogen expansion, Ramaphosa said the government is also accelerating the development of South Africa’s electricity transmission infrastructure. A new Independent Transmission Projects Office has been established to drive this expansion and ensure energy generated from renewable sources can be distributed efficiently across regions.
“Reliable transmission is key to realising the benefits of our green hydrogen and renewable energy investments,” said Ramaphosa.
He noted that integrating green hydrogen into the country’s energy mix would create jobs, increase energy security, and attract foreign direct investment. Moreover, the shift would help South Africa meet its global climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
In his speech, Ramaphosa also emphasized South Africa’s role as a continental leader in the green hydrogen space. He pointed out that more than 52 large-scale green hydrogen projects have been announced across Africa, signaling the continent’s rising prominence in the global energy transition.
“Africa is poised to become a major exporter of green hydrogen. With our vast natural resources and growing expertise, we can power a new era of clean industrial growth,” said Ramaphosa.
He added that collaborative partnerships, like the one with the European Union, are vital to unlocking Africa’s full hydrogen potential. Such cooperation, he said, ensures access to technology, financing, and knowledge-sharing needed for successful implementation.
Ramaphosa extended an invitation to both local and international investors to participate in South Africa’s hydrogen economy, describing it as a “transformational opportunity” for business and climate action.
“Our green hydrogen roadmap offers clarity, structure, and investor confidence,” Ramaphosa told delegates. “It is through public-private collaboration that we will realise the full value of this emerging industry.”
To date, partnerships between the government and industry players like Sasol, Nel Hydrogen, and international development agencies have paved the way for feasibility studies, pilot plants, and long-term commercial projects in multiple provinces.
President Ramaphosa’s address at the Green Hydrogen Summit reaffirmed South Africa’s ambition to lead not only within Africa but also globally in the green hydrogen space. With a comprehensive strategy, major industrial projects, and growing foreign investment, Ramaphosa has positioned the country as a pioneer in green energy innovation.
As infrastructure scales, technology matures, and political will strengthens, the green hydrogen sector under Ramaphosa’s leadership could be a cornerstone of South Africa’s just energy transition, offering a sustainable path out of fossil fuel dependency and into a future of economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
Source- EWN
