South Africa launches R100 million hub at Wits to boost green hydrogen economy

SOUTH Africa's ambition to build a competitive green hydrogen economy received a significant boost this weel with the launch of the Wits-South Africa Hydrogen Localisation Initiative (Wits-SAHLI), a R100 million investment aimed at strengthening local research, skills and industrial capacity.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

The initiative is a partnership between Air Liquide South Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) and the Localisation Support Fund (LSF). It will see the establishment of a modular pilot hydrogen plant on Wits’ West Campus, designed as a “living laboratory” for applied research, teaching and industry collaboration.

Speaking at the launch on Friday, Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, said South Africa has committed itself to building a competitive hydrogen economy aligned with Hydrogen Society Roadmap.

“Hydrogen is not just an alternative energy source. It represents energy security. It represents industrial diversification, export potential, but also meaningful decarbonization,’ Manamela said.

“But our mission alone is obviously not enough because what matters is how we build this economy and how and who is involved in that, in the building of that economy.”

Funded by Air Liquide, the facility forms part of the company’s multiyear decarbonisation investment programme in South Africa. It is scheduled to become operational by 2028.