The unique position of the Northern Cape as a potential leader in South Africa’s green hydrogen and Power-to-X future was the focus at a Green Hydrogen Road Show in Kimberley on 28 November.
Key stakeholders, including international developers and representatives of local communities and government bodies, gathered at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre to focus on mainly three topics, while addressing critical questions associated with it.
“The Northern Cape, with its abundant solar and wind resources, stands as a beacon for green hydrogen development and its associated derivatives.
“This province is not only poised to contribute significantly to South Africa’s green economy but is also well-positioned to lead in catalysing global energy transitions,” said Thami Mabidja, head of department, on behalf of Venus Blennies-Magage, Northern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, in the opening address.
o get a comprehensive understanding of the matter, which is critical for informed decision-making in hydrogen projects, the three topics that were discussed are: setting up a Power-to-X project (Power-to-X means using renewable electricity to create something else – “X”), socio-economic participation and beneficiation, and environmental sustainability challenges and mitigation strategies for Power-to-X projects.
Mabidja said one of the flagship initiatives in the Northern Cape is the Boegoebaai Green Hydrogen Development Programme. Other significant projects include the Prieska Power Reserve, Upilanga Solar and Green Hydrogen Park at Upington, and the Ubuntu Green Energy Hydrogen Project at Victoria West.
These developments will establish a robust network for green hydrogen to help realise South Africa’s ambition of achieving a 40 GW electrolysis capacity by 2050, as articulated in the national hydrogen roadmap.
“We take the green hydrogen sector very seriously because it resonates with our agenda of building a modern, growing, and successful province.
“This journey is not just about energy; it’s about transforming our economy, creating jobs, and positioning the Northern Cape as a global leader in the energy transition,” Mabidja concluded.
