European Union backs South Africa's aspirations for Green Hydrogen development
The European Union continues to show its commitment to South Africa's Green Hydrogen aspirations, with a funding allocation of approximately €32 million aimed at developing the green hydrogen value chain.
This funding, announced by Commissioner Kadri Simson, will be used in line with South Africa's priorities of adding value to the domestic economy and ramping up green industrialisation. The funds will support the sustainable development of the green hydrogen value chain, encompassing production, transport infrastructure, and safety frameworks.
Commissioner Simson's visit to South Africa included meetings with entities responsible for the implementation of South Africa's Presidential Energy Action Plan and the Presidential Climate Commission. During her visit, she also met with Minister for Energy and Electricity Kgosientsho Ramogkopa and Minister for Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau.
The European Union's efforts in South Africa are part of a broader programme focused on the just energy transition and sustainable development of strategic value chains. This collaboration is aimed at creating new economic opportunities and boosting domestic growth.
South Africa's government, under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership, is prioritising green hydrogen as a cornerstone for its industrial transformation and a new export industry. The EU's support complements other initiatives like Germany’s H2Global auction with regional allocations including Africa, which guarantees offtake for renewable hydrogen projects, helping to de-risk investments and scale production capacity on the continent.
This funding from the European Union is a significant milestone in SA-EU relations, marking a continued partnership for a just energy transition and the sustainable development of strategic value chains, including Green Hydrogen. The EU's support is part of wider international support and public-private partnerships, involving global partners such as the SA-H2 Fund, which has pledged $1 billion.
Discussions between the European Union and South Africa focused on collaboration for a just energy transition and the sustainable development of strategic value chains, including Green Hydrogen. The European Union's collaboration with South Africa is a significant step towards South Africa's long-term transition towards sustainable and renewable energy sources.
For the latest news on the European Union's hydrogen initiatives, visit Hydrogen News.
- The European Union's €32 million funding for South Africa's Green Hydrogen aspirations involves the sustainable development of the green hydrogen value chain, which covers production, transport infrastructure, and safety frameworks.
- South Africa is prioritizing green hydrogen as a key component for its industrial transformation and a new export industry, with the EU's support complementing initiatives like Germany’s H2Global auction.
- The European Union's funding and collaboration with South Africa is component of a broader programme focused on the just energy transition and sustainable development of strategic value chains, including renewable-energy sources like green hydrogen.
- The environmental-science community and industry are closely monitoring the partnership between the European Union and South Africa, as it signals a significant step towards South Africa's long-term transition towards sustainable and renewable energy sources.
- Finance plays a crucial role in these initiatives, with the SA-H2 Fund pledging $1 billion to support projects in the green hydrogen value chain, demonstrating the potential for economic opportunities and domestic growth in the sector.
