South Africa: Sasol Opens Local Hydrogen Testing Facility in Sasolburg

Sasol has commissioned a 2 kilowatt Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser system at its Research and Technology campus in Sasolburg, Free State, giving South Africa a new facility to test locally developed hydrogen production technology.

The project, launched on July 31, was completed with support from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation's Hydrogen South Africa programme, the South African National Energy Development Institute and North West University.

The system will test hydrogen production under changing renewable energy conditions, build local technical skills and provide knowledge needed to prepare green hydrogen technology for commercial use.

The facility arrives as South Africa works to develop industries tied to green hydrogen and make better use of its platinum group metals.

The project also fits into the Hydrogen South Africa programme, which focuses on research, innovation, intellectual property and the commercial development of hydrogen technology to support industrial development and the country's energy transition.

Facility supports local technology development

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande said the project shows how South Africa's mineral resources can support clean energy industries.

He said platinum group metals are important to the operation of PEM electrolysers and can help build future industries within the country.

Nzimande said South Africa wants to take part in upstream, midstream and downstream activities connected with these industries instead of exporting raw minerals.

He said the knowledge produced through the new system would support the commercial use of green hydrogen technology.

"We are confident that the knowledge and insights generated through this system will help us move closer to more efficient, commercially competitive, scaled production of green hydrogen, expand our export portfolio and stimulate domestic of green hydrogen in support of a net zero economic future," he said.

The minister also said science, technology and innovation should play an important role in industrial development and economic growth.

He said cooperation between government, industry and research institutions would help turn scientific research into technologies that businesses can use.

Partnership backs hydrogen skills and industry

Sasol Business Building, Strategy and Technology Executive Vice President Dr Sarushen Pillay said the commissioning shows the value of cooperation between public institutions and private companies.

He said the company is pleased to work with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, SANEDI and North West University to build practical hydrogen capability in South Africa.

Pillay said hydrogen will become more important in producing lower carbon fuels and chemicals.

He explained that the new facility offers an industrial environment where locally developed electrolyser technology can be tested and improved.

"The fact that this electrolyser was built by HySA here in South Africa and will be tested at Sasol's industry leading R&T campus in Sasolburg is a significant milestone for South Africa's hydrogen landscape," he said.

He also pointed to South Africa's advantages in the hydrogen sector, including renewable energy resources, industrial capacity and Sasol's experience in hydrogen production.

Pillay said continued cooperation involving government, universities and industry would help develop local technology, train skilled people and build the capacity needed to support future hydrogen value chains.

The PEM electrolyser was developed through the Hydrogen South Africa programme with contributions from Sasol, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, SANEDI and North West University.

All participating organisations agreed that the system will provide an important platform for testing hydrogen production technology, evaluating locally developed electrolysers under changing renewable energy conditions and strengthening technical skills needed for the country's hydrogen industry.