South Africa: A Directive to Accelerate the Green Hydrogen Market

The South African government plans to issue a directive on green hydrogen on February 17. This measure aims to streamline project approval processes in a sector undergoing structuring, where investments are still struggling to materialize.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

South Africa is positioning itself as a key player in the green hydrogen market. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dion George, announced that a dedicated government directive will be released on February 17, according to multiple local media sources.

A Regulatory Framework to Boost the Sector

This directive aims to clarify the approval procedures for green hydrogen projects and stimulate economic growth. The government also seeks to mitigate environmental risks associated with this emerging industry and promote job creation. The initiative aligns with the “Hydrogen Society Roadmap” adopted in 2021, which laid the groundwork for national development and an export market for hydrogen and green ammonia.

Ambitious Projects, but Persistent Challenges

Since the announcement of this roadmap, several initiatives have emerged. Among them, Sasol’s Boegoebaai project and Hive Energy’s $5.7 billion green ammonia project illustrate private sector interest. However, the effective deployment of infrastructure remains complex.

Ongoing Investment Uncertainty

The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that green hydrogen production projects still face hurdles before reaching a final investment decision. Regulatory uncertainty and financial challenges hinder industrial-scale expansion. Despite these constraints, South Africa, alongside countries such as Mauritania, Namibia, Egypt, and Morocco, continues to structure its regulatory framework to attract capital to this emerging sector.

Buscando Resources officially becomes Element One Hydrogen and Critical Minerals Corp. and completes a C$1.03mn fundraising through a three-tranche private placement.
The partnership includes local manufacturing in Poland of electrolysis systems using Elogen’s technology, with deliveries targeting the Europe, Middle East and Africa markets.
Vema Hydrogen has been named a qualified supplier by the First Public Hydrogen Authority to deliver clean hydrogen at industrial scale to California’s public and private infrastructure.
Le groupe français HRS a signé une commande pour la livraison d'une station hydrogène haute capacité, renforçant sa présence dans un réseau en expansion à l’échelle européenne.
With a $14mn investment, Enap progresses on the construction of its first green hydrogen plant, expected to be operational in early 2026 in the Magallanes region of southern Chile.
Plug completed the first delivery of 44.5 tonnes of hydrogen for the H2CAST project in Germany and secured a new contract for an additional 35 tonnes, confirming its logistical capabilities in the European market.
Gushine Electronics has opened a lithium battery plant in Vietnam, with an estimated annual production value of $100 mn, marking a new phase in the international deployment of its industrial capacities.
Indonesian nickel producer Anugrah Neo Energy Materials plans a $300mn IPO in December to finance its growing battery materials operations.
Sultan Qaboos University announces a breakthrough in water electrolysis using new rare-metal catalysts, improving production efficiency by more than 30%.
Standard Lithium a sécurisé $130mn via une émission d’actions ordinaires pour financer ses projets d’extraction de lithium en Arkansas et au Texas, consolidant sa position sur le marché nord-américain des métaux stratégiques.
Asset manager Quinbrook expands its North American portfolio with a first Canadian investment by acquiring a strategic stake in developer Elemental Clean Fuels.
Lhyfe commissions a 10 MW site in Schwäbisch Gmünd, its first in Germany, to supply RFNBO-certified green hydrogen to industrial and heavy mobility clients.
Brookfield will invest up to $5 billion in Bloom Energy's fuel cells to power future artificial intelligence factories, initiating the first phase of a dedicated global digital infrastructure strategy.
Metacon acquired components from the bankruptcy estate of Hynion Sverige AB for SEK3.5mn ($320,000), aiming to support its hydrogen refuelling station projects in Sweden.
The United Kingdom has carried out its first real-life trial of green hydrogen blending into the national gas transmission network, with power generation as a result.
Swedish company Liquid Wind has secured €3.6mn in public funding for the engineering phase of its eMethanol plant, integrated into a biomass-fuelled cogeneration site.
The Japanese industrial group will replace a 73.5 MW coke and gas-fired turbine with a 30 to 40 MW hydrogen-ready unit, scheduled to start operations in 2030 with ¥7.1bn ($47mn) in public support.
A two-year project aims to identify areas in Texas suitable for natural hydrogen exploitation, despite challenges related to infrastructure, public policy and economic viability.
Plug Power has announced the appointment of Jose Luis Crespo as President effective October 10, before assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer once the company publishes its annual report, expected in March 2026.
Plug Power finalised a deal with an institutional investor to raise $370mn through the immediate exercise of warrants, with the possibility of securing an additional $1.4bn if new warrants are exercised.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.