The electrical grid in South Africa is frequently blacked out. The demand for power is increasing as a result of outdated infrastructure and enormous population increase, placing strain on the grid. As a result, the country, which is Africa’s most industrialized, is looking into green hydrogen and making the conversion to renewable energy, among other things. Electricity is now mostly generated by coal-fired power plants.

South Africa is already in a difficult situation. It appears to be the promised land for renewable energy and the green hydrogen that can be created with that energy, with plenty of sun and shoreline. Even though solar and wind power are still in their infancy, the government wishes to focus entirely on green hydrogen, according to Bonginkosi Nzimande, Minister of Education, Science, and Technology.

It wants to partner with other countries for this development, and Belgium is being considered. Our country already has the essential enterprises, infrastructure, and ports to acquire green hydrogen, such as the Fluxys pipelines. And there is a wealth of expertise accessible. During his discussion with Nzimande, Jambon stated, “We are requesting cooperation.”

Technology and research

Furthermore, there is already a lot of research and technological collaboration between Flanders and South Africa. For example, VITO (the Flemish institute for technical research) is collaborating on battery storage with CSIR in South Africa. South Africa receives the test bench as well as the essential know-how to test huge batteries from VITO. The country aims to avoid blackouts with so much more storage capacity. In the presence of Flemish Prime Minister Jambon, a new cooperation agreement on this was signed in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Jambon is in South Africa on a working visit this week, where he will make political, cultural, and economic contacts.