The Namakwa Special Economic Zone’s Boegoebaai “green hydrogen” development has been designated a Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) in the South African National Development Plan (SEZ).
Exploring Boegoebaai’s potential as a worldwide green hydrogen center is made possible by the project’s location and categorization as a SIP.
In order to build a hydrogen economy in South Africa, Sasol has been working with the Presidency’s Infrastructure and Investment Office (IIO). The business has inked an agreement with the Northern Cape Development Agency (NCEDA) to undertake a feasibility study to look into the possibilities of Boegoebaai as a green hydrogen and ammonia export hub. This research will take around 24 months to complete. The results of this feasibility study will be used to decide the next step in the development process.
Sasol has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) to utilise Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as facilitators for unlocking South Africa’s green hydrogen market potential for domestic applications including mobility and aviation.
In tandem, Sasol has formed a partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), which will fund the feasibility study jointly.
“We are ecstatic to be heading this feasibility study as part of unlocking South Africa’s potential as a worldwide green hydrogen and green ammonia exporter with the potential for future sustainable aviation fuels.” Local demand for green hydrogen will also play a role. “It’s a concrete step forward for Sasol as we work to build a green hydrogen economy in Southern Africa,” said Priscillah Mabelane, Sasol’s Executive Vice President for Energy.
Sasol continues to pursue a number of catalytic initiatives in the region, with the goal of expanding both local and export prospects. Sasol is evaluating a variety of green hydrogen, ammonia, and power-to-X (P2X) options, including the Boegoebaai project, as part of its new strategy unveiled at its recent capital markets day. South Africa’s goals to become a key green hydrogen production and worldwide export centre are linked with Sasol’s plan.
“We think that due to major structural advantages, Southern Africa is ideally positioned to participate in the global green hydrogen economy.” Our patented Fischer-Tropsch technology and renewable resources, in particular, are among the greatest in the world,” Mabelane added.
“An ecosystem based on localization has the ability to provide long-term, sustainable advantages for communities and the country.” The initiative has the potential to provide a large number of long-term sustainable employment, infrastructure investment, and skills development in the country, allowing for a Just Transition,” Mabelane noted.
“As the main project integrator, Sasol will bring together strategic partners throughout the value chain, as well as other supporting role players, to advance the Northern Cape’s industrialisation.” Potential consumers, financiers, investors, technology providers, and South African green energy providers are among them.
“Sasol has committed to being net zero by 2050, and we believe that green hydrogen is critical to achieving this aim.” “We have the expertise and skill set, as well as the technology and solutions, to help co-create the South African hydrogen economy,” Mabelane said.
