Platinum Group Metals, Green Hydrogen, and South Africa’s Just Transition
South Africa is uniquely positioned to build a globally relevant green hydrogen economy because it holds roughly 80% of the world’s platinum group metals (PGMs), which are essential catalysts in PEM electrolysers and fuel cells, and because it has strong renewable energy potential that could underpin competitive green molecule exports. The policy brief argues that green hydrogen could support decarbonisation while also enabling industrial upgrading through local PGM beneficiation, new high-tech jobs, and region-wide value chains across SADC (e.g., fuel cells, renewables infrastructure, battery minerals), but it stresses that these benefits are not automatic: scaling “true” green hydrogen requires massive upfront renewable build-out, grid expansion and reliability, new or upgraded hydrogen transport infrastructure, and careful water planning in a water-stressed country. It also highlights justice and risk dimensions—coal-region job displacement, significant skills gaps for a technology-intensive sector, community impacts from expanded mining and hydrogen infrastructure (including environmental harm, land conflict, and weak benefit-sharing), and the danger of an export-led “two-tier” energy system that diverts scarce clean power away from domestic needs during an energy crisis. Finally, it frames financing and geopolitics as decisive: South Africa may need hundreds of billions of dollars over decades, relies on shifting external partners (JETP dynamics, EU alignment, US withdrawal), and must pursue stable, balanced partnerships while embedding green hydrogen within broader reforms in energy planning, industrial policy, skills development, governance, and social licence—treating hydrogen as a strategic opportunity, not a silver bullet.
Africa’s Green Hydrogen Pipeline Is Large, but Execution Lags
The Energy Industries Council reports that 78 green hydrogen projects are planned across Africa, but the continent’s hydrogen buildout is falling short of its ambitions because projects are struggling to move from announcements to bankable delivery. The briefing highlights two core blockers: missing long-term offtake agreements (which reduces revenue certainty and delays FID) and persistently high costs (which weaken competitiveness and financing appetite), leaving major prospective hubs and exporters—such as Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, and Namibia—with sizeable pipelines but limited near-term conversion into operational capacity.
Russian–South African Team Cuts Green Hydrogen Costs by Optimizing Iridium Use
An international collaboration between Russia’s Southern Federal University, the Kurchatov Institute, the Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, and South Africa’s HySA programme has identified a way to lower green hydrogen production costs without replacing iridium, the critical and expensive catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction in PEM electrolysers. Instead of seeking substitutes, the researchers focused on optimizing the catalyst activation stage, showing that electrochemical pre-treatment strongly influences iridium’s surface state, reaction efficiency, stability, and lifetime. By systematically studying monometallic iridium catalysts and validating results both in laboratory cells and prototype electrolysers under industrial-like conditions, the team established clear preparation and testing guidelines that can improve performance and reduce material waste—offering manufacturers a practical path to cost reduction without major technological changes.
Natural Hydrogen Explorer Targets South Africa with 3.4 Million-Acre Licence Bid
Natural hydrogen start-up H2Au has applied for three-year exclusive exploration rights covering 3.4 million acres (13,760 km²) in South Africa after completing a year of field studies across the region. The company believes the country could represent a promising hotspot for naturally occurring (“white”) hydrogen resources and is now seeking formal approval to advance geological assessments and subsurface analysis. If granted, the licence would allow H2Au to further evaluate commercial potential at a time when interest in natural hydrogen is growing as a potentially lower-cost, low-carbon alternative to electrolytic green hydrogen.
Egypt, Scatec Deepen Green Hydrogen and Africa Energy Cooperation
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog to expand strategic collaboration in renewable energy and green hydrogen, reinforcing Egypt’s ambition to position itself as a global clean energy hub. Discussions highlighted the landmark Obelisk solar project in Nagaa Hammadi, whose first phase delivers 500 MW of solar capacity integrated with 200 MWh of battery storage—currently Africa’s largest such installation. The talks also explored scaling clean energy exports to Europe and advancing trilateral renewable energy partnerships across Africa, signaling Egypt’s intent to leverage international investment to accelerate its green transition and regional energy leadership.
Study Reveals How Hydrogen Accumulates During Electrolyzer Leaks
Scientists from South Africa’s HySA Infrastructure CoC and Russia’s All-Russian Research Institute for Nuclear Power Plants Operation have examined how hydrogen behaves during accidental leaks in small benchtop electrolyzers. Simulating leak pressures between 1 and 6 bar, the team combined experimental measurements with 3D numerical modeling using STAR-CCM+ software to track hydrogen distribution inside the unit. Without ventilation, hydrogen—nearly 15 times lighter than air—rapidly accumulated near the housing ceiling, reaching concentrations of 8–9% at 1 bar and up to 23–25% at 6 bar, well above the 4% lower flammability limit. However, introducing forced ventilation at around 1 m/s significantly reduced concentrations to safe levels under lower pressures and limited flammable mixtures even at 6 bar. The study also identified stagnant zones where gas may linger, offering guidance for improved sensor placement and safer electrolyzer design as compact hydrogen systems become more widespread.
Link: https://globalenergyprize.org/en/2026/02/20/how-hydrogen-behaves-during-electrolyzer-leaks/
UK Firm H2Au Advances Natural Hydrogen Exploration in South Africa
UK-based natural hydrogen developer H2Au has secured formal acceptance of two applications for exclusive three-year exploration licences covering more than 3.4 million acres in South Africa’s Bushveld region, pending final ministerial approval. The move follows the successful completion of earlier Technical Cooperation Permits, during which field studies and proprietary discovery technologies identified promising hydrogen concentrations in a major mining and industrial corridor. The company is now engaging potential off-takers and joint venture partners to support project development, positioning natural (geologic) hydrogen as a potentially abundant, low-cost, and low-carbon alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
DUT Expands Hydrogen Collaboration with HySA and CSIR
The Durban University of Technology’s Green Engineering Research Group (GERG) has strengthened its hydrogen research partnerships through a strategic visit to HySA Infrastructure facilities at North West University and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria. Facilitated by the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), the engagement builds on a 2024 memorandum of agreement backed by R2 million in seed funding to enhance DUT’s hydrogen research capacity. The visit focused on advancing green hydrogen production, including research into borehole water electrolysis, and plans to integrate a locally developed proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser into DUT’s facilities. Leaders from HySA and CSIR pledged support through joint research initiatives, technical collaboration, and postgraduate training, reinforcing national coordination under South Africa’s Hydrogen Society Roadmap and expanding the Hydrogen Valley innovation corridor.
Green Hydrogen in Africa: Morocco, Egypt and Southern Africa Lead 2026 Race
Africa’s green hydrogen ambitions are crystallising around four core contenders in 2026: Morocco, Egypt, South Africa and Namibia. Backed by strong solar and wind resources and proximity to European demand—targeting 10 million tonnes of hydrogen imports annually by 2030—the continent is positioning itself as a future export powerhouse. Morocco stands out with its €300 million KfW-backed “Power to Hydrogen (PtX)” pilot set for 2026 and a broader €30 billion industrial rollout plan. Egypt leverages Suez Canal logistics and industrial port zones to anchor export-oriented ammonia and e-fuel projects. South Africa is advancing its 1 GW Saldanha–Namakwa pilot zone, supported by the SA-H2 Fund and European financing, though implementation remains gradual. Meanwhile, Namibia is emerging as an aggressive outsider, already commissioning two projects and advancing a $9.4 billion flagship development.
Despite the flurry of announcements, experts caution that most of Africa’s 70+ hydrogen projects remain at feasibility stage, with financing, regulation and offtake agreements still key bottlenecks. The newly formed Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance—bringing together Kenya, Morocco, Egypt, Namibia, South Africa and Mauritania—aims to harmonise policy and attract global capital. In 2026, the race will hinge not on ambition, but on which hub can convert pilot projects into operational capacity while ensuring domestic industrial and energy benefits alongside exports.
Link: https://www.capmad.com/energy-en/green-hydrogen-in-africa-which-hub-will-dominate-the-race-in-2026/
South Africa’s R2.3 Trillion Green Hydrogen Gamble: Private Sector Unveils Desert-to-Port Energy Corridor
KAHRE Renewable Energy Group has announced an ambitious R794 billion to R2.3 trillion ($50–150 billion) net-zero industrial corridor that will link large-scale solar and wind generation in the Northern Cape with green industrial processing and export infrastructure in the Western Cape. The 15-year plan integrates renewable power (KTE.energy), a 450-kilometer private transmission and pipeline route (GreenLink), desalination and green fuel production facilities (Velddrif Water & Power), and a sustainable urban development (EcoVision Velddrif). Targeting up to 20 GW of hybrid capacity, with 6 GW of generation and 3.5 GW of electrolysis by 2030, the project aims to position South Africa as a major exporter of green hydrogen and derivatives such as ammonia and sustainable aviation fuel. While the corridor could create up to 40,000 direct jobs and generate $5–8 billion annually in export revenue, its success will depend on securing financing, regulatory approvals, and long-term offtake agreements.
The “Holy Grail” of Green Hydrogen: Kenya Eyes Mega-Scale GH2 Plant with Local Value Focus
Researchers from Strathmore University argue that Kenya is well positioned to develop a mega-scale green hydrogen (GH2) project leveraging its vast geothermal, wind, and solar resources, ideally located along the coast to enable seawater desalination and export via the Port of Mombasa. The proposed gigawatt-scale plant would produce green hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia or methanol for global markets while potentially powering a 100+ MW data centre to maximise economies of scale. Beyond export revenues, the authors stress that the true goal should be maximising local added value through manufacturing, electrolyser assembly, workforce development, and industrial linkages in fertilisers, green steel, and R&D. While economic viability depends on policy support and fair carbon pricing, Kenya could use green hydrogen as a catalyst for sustainable industrialisation and long-term domestic economic transformation.
Link: https://www.esi-africa.com/news/holy-grail-of-green-hydrogen-mega-scale-gh2-plant-kenya/
Kenya Plans Mega Green Hydrogen Plant to Drive Clean Energy and Industrial Growth
Kenya has unveiled plans for a mega-scale green hydrogen plant near the Port of Mombasa, aiming to produce zero-carbon hydrogen for domestic use and export while accelerating industrial development. Leveraging the country’s vast renewable energy resources—including over 10,000 MW of geothermal potential, strong onshore and offshore wind (estimated at 20–76 GW), and high solar irradiation—the project would power large-scale electrolysis with a stable clean energy mix. A coastal location will enable seawater desalination to supply hydrogen production with minimal freshwater impact, while export-ready derivatives such as green ammonia will target global markets. The proposal also includes a 100+ MW renewable-powered data center to boost economic efficiency and support Kenya’s digital economy. With a strong focus on local manufacturing, electrolyzer assembly, and workforce training through universities and vocational institutions, the initiative seeks to maximize domestic value creation, create skilled jobs, and catalyze industries such as green fertilizers, green steel, and clean technology innovation.
Africa’s First Fully Integrated Green Hydrogen Facility Takes Shape in Namibia
Namibia is advancing Africa’s green hydrogen ambitions with the rollout of the continent’s first fully integrated facility at Hydrogen Dune, led by Cleanergy Solutions Namibia and supported by a 5MW GenEco electrolyser system supplied by Plug Power Inc. The project combines solar-powered hydrogen production, on-site storage, and a public hydrogen refueling station within a single integrated platform, positioning Namibia as an early mover in Africa’s emerging hydrogen economy. By linking renewable generation directly to electrolysis and mobility infrastructure, the facility demonstrates a scalable model for decarbonising transport and industrial sectors while strengthening the country’s role in the global clean energy transition.
Africa’s Hydrogen Push Slows as Offtake and Infrastructure Gaps Persist, EIC Warns
Africa’s ambition to become a global green hydrogen exporter is facing mounting challenges, with 78 proposed projects across the continent still largely stuck before final investment decision (FID), according to a new Energy Industries Council (EIC) report. Despite plans for 38 GW of electrolyzer capacity backed by an estimated $194 billion in investment—primarily concentrated in Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa—only two small-scale projects totaling 17 MW are currently operational, both in Namibia. The report highlights the absence of binding offtake agreements, limited pipeline infrastructure, water and grid constraints, and an underdeveloped local supply chain as major barriers to progress. EIC recommends shifting toward smaller, phased developments, strengthening policy clarity, and deploying risk-sharing finance tools to move projects beyond concept stage and align production timelines with real export demand.
Ramaphosa Positions Green Hydrogen at the Heart of Africa’s Industrial Future
President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed green hydrogen at the centre of Africa’s strategy to turn its vast renewable resources into long-term economic growth, arguing that climate action and development are mutually reinforcing rather than conflicting goals. Speaking at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Ramaphosa said Africa’s abundant solar, wind, hydropower and critical minerals give it a unique advantage in producing green hydrogen for global markets, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, chemicals, shipping and aviation. He highlighted over R110 billion in investment flowing into South Africa’s Northern Cape and more than $15 billion mobilised for renewables across Africa in a single year, linking this progress to nationally designed Just Energy Transition frameworks supported by blended international finance. With 600 million Africans still lacking electricity access, Ramaphosa framed the continent’s energy gap as an opportunity to industrialise, add value to mineral resources, and position Africa as a major clean-energy exporter.