Nzimande launches green hydrogen electrolyser to boost South Africa's clean energy ambitions

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Professor Blade Nzimande has officially launched a 2kW Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyser System at Sasol One in Sasolburg, saying the project marks a significant step towards positioning South Africa as a leader in green hydrogen innovation.

The launch, held on Friday during the final day of the inaugural National Science Month under the theme "Science, Technology and Innovation Are for Everyone", forms part of government's broader strategy to develop a competitive hydrogen economy and accelerate the country's clean energy transition.

The 2kW PEM Electrolyser System is expected to strengthen South Africa's research, development and innovation capabilities in hydrogen technologies, particularly those that utilise the country's abundant Platinum Group Metals (PGMs).

Nzimande said the initiative reflects government's commitment to placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of economic development and industrial growth.

"The deployment of this system demonstrates the value of placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry and society," he said.

The project forms part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation's efforts to expand South Africa's role in critical minerals beneficiation, advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies.

Nzimande said the country must move beyond exporting raw critical minerals and instead become a globally competitive producer of advanced materials, hydrogen technologies, battery components and manufactured products.

"South Africa is not waiting for the future to arrive; we are building it with our own knowledge and capabilities. Today's launch demonstrates the power of collaboration among government, research institutions, industry and academia in support of a just energy transition," he said.

The minister also welcomed the partnership between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Sasol, North-West University and the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), saying collaboration is essential to develop skills, drive localisation, create industrial value and stimulate innovation-led economic growth.

The initiative supports the objectives of South Africa's Hydrogen Society Roadmap, which aims to leverage the country's mineral resources to promote industrialisation, decarbonisation, energy security, regional competitiveness and job creation.

Looking beyond South Africa, Nzimande called for stronger cooperation among Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states through shared research infrastructure, harmonised standards, skills development, regional beneficiation and cross-border innovation partnerships.

He also encouraged stakeholders in the Vaal region to establish a local Science, Technology and Innovation Forum to strengthen collaboration between universities, science councils, industry and local businesses in advancing innovation and economic development.