Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the critical importance of the green hydrogen economy in both the advancement of the nation and its equitable transition towards clean energy.
Ramaphosa said this during his remarks at the second iteration of South African Green Hydrogen Summit (SAGHS) in Century City, Cape Town, on Monday.
“The hydrogen economy has a prominent role to play in our country’s just energy transition, providing employment and support to vulnerable workers, communities and small businesses.
“It has been estimated that the hydrogen economy has the potential to add 3.6% to our GDP by 2050 and approximately 370 000 jobs. We must act with purpose to harness the potential of the green hydrogen economy,” he said.
Ramaphosa also acknowledged that green hydrogen is crucial for addressing climate change, with 64 countries committing to net-zero emissions by 2050 and the anticipated sevenfold increase in global green hydrogen demand by 2050.
South Africa has committed to ambitious emission reduction targets. Our own estimates indicate that green hydrogen has the potential to remove 10 to 15 percent of our domestic emissions and contribute to our nation’s long-term energy security.
The inaugural South Africa Green… https://t.co/14ktlpOcRt
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) October 16, 2023
He said that green hydrogen could remove 10% to 15% of South Africa’s domestic emissions while enhancing the nation’s energy security.
“South Africa has committed to ambitious emission reduction targets. Our own estimates indicate that green hydrogen has the potential to remove 10% to 15% of our domestic emissions and contribute to our nation’s long-term energy security,” Ramaphosa said.
He said that South Africa is committed to ambitious emission reduction targets and sees green hydrogen as a key component in achieving them.
Ramaphosa also discussed the importance of cooperation within the African Green Hydrogen Alliance, involving several African countries, to harness the continent’s potential in developing green hydrogen industries.
The resident acknowledged the collaboration efforts being made through the African Green Hydrogen Alliance, which includes Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Ethiopia, Angola and South Africa.
The inaugural summit laid a strong policy foundation. This year’s summit has a dedicated project focus, providing an opportunity to demonstrate the degree to which projects have matured and advanced.
This is also an opportunity to demonstrate technological developments and… https://t.co/14ktlpOcRt
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) October 16, 2023
The alliance aims to harness Africa’s potential in developing green hydrogen industries. It aims to make joint calls for technical support, funding and market access to international public and private sector partners.
“The inaugural summit laid a strong policy foundation. This year’s summit has a dedicated project focus, providing an opportunity to demonstrate the degree to which projects have matured and advanced. This is also an opportunity to demonstrate technological developments and advancements in the green hydrogen space.
“Close cooperation between public, private and financial partners will be key to unlocking Africa’s green hydrogen potential. This will enable mass-scale domestic and international demand for green hydrogen, and increase cooperation on green hydrogen production, storage and distribution infrastructure,” Ramaphosa said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
