Use of abundant element can position SA globally for the future and re-industrialise the country, grow jobsA recent Infrastructure SA event convened a panel of experts to discuss hydrogen's role in a green economy. From left to right: Clement Manyathela, minister Patricia de Lille, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Joanne Bate, Kaashifah Beukes and Priscillah Mabelane. Picture: SUPPLIED
“I’m very excited about green hydrogen,” said public works and infrastructure minister Patricia de Lille. SA has wind, sun and wide-open spaces in the Northern Cape and has already started to exploit these assets to create green hydrogen, along with private sector partners such as Sasol and Anglo American.
Private sector finance is increasing, with R300m in the pipeline for hydrogen projects and the state will ensure that policies are in place to allow the private sector to take these projects over, he said. SA must move fast to increase its level of agility in a competitive world, with finance driving a just energy transition, and development finance institutions actively engaged to unlock funding.