Context
South Africa has everything necessary to position itself internationally as a producer of green hydrogen products and batteries: plentiful wind and solar energy for producing hydrogen, production facilities for synthetic fuels, which are made from hydrogen, and deposits of minerals such as manganese and platinum, which are required in building batteries, electrolysers and fuel cells. This means the country has the potential to export these products and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its domestic industry as a result of firms using more climate-friendly hydrogen and batteries. This could lead to alternative employment for workers in the coal industry.
Objective
South Africa has developed hydrogen and battery production systems. They encourage local economic growth and the creation of new jobs in climate-friendly industries. In South Africa, German companies can access important raw materials for their production, establish new contacts and acquire expertise.
Approach
The project promotes private-sector businesses that produce hydrogen, batteries and relevant raw materials. It advises the firms on technologies, regulations and financing. It also helps them to apply criteria and processes that ensure the environmental and social compatibility of hydrogen and battery projects, which enhances their acceptance.
At the same time, the project advises the Government and related institutions on strategies, standards and certification.
It promotes applied research projects which will help scientists conduct successful hydrogen and battery projects and will feed into the development of innovative products and processes. To this end, the project organises international partnerships between South African and European companies and research facilities.