Renewables
South Africa weighs green hydrogen ambitions against water scarcity
A recent study highlights the economic and environmental hurdles facing South Africa's ambitious green hydrogen roadmap.
Key points
- South Africa relies heavily on coal, with its power sector driving most national emissions.
- Green hydrogen production requires significant amounts of freshwater in a water-stressed country.
- The nation holds extensive platinum group metal reserves critical for electrolyser manufacturing.
A comprehensive review published in Frontiers in Sustainable Energy Policy examines South Africa's plans to build a domestic green hydrogen economy. According to Bioengineer.org, researchers Goitsione Emily Olifant and Steven Matome Mathetsa from the University of the Witwatersrand evaluated the country's strategic hydrogen documents, including the Hydrogen Society Roadmap and the Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan.
The promise and the paradox
South Africa faces high carbon intensity, driven historically by coal-fired electricity generation. While green hydrogen offers a viable decarbonization pathway for heavy industry and transport, production relies heavily on freshwater. Bioengineer.org reported that generating one kilogram of green hydrogen consumes about nine kilograms of purified water. Given that the nation receives limited rainfall and shares critical river basins with neighboring countries, water availability remains a primary concern.
Economic and mineral advantages
Despite high production costs and expensive electrolyser infrastructure, South Africa controls the vast majority of global platinum group metal reserves. These minerals are essential for manufacturing electrolysers, potentially allowing the country to supply critical components for international markets. Strategic partnerships with European nations are already underway as global demand for clean energy carriers increases.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
6.4% of electricity in South Africa was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
