Germany and South Africa collaborate to drive green hydrogen projects

Germany joins hands with South Africa to boost the green hydrogen projects, industry and infrastructure in both countries.

PHOTO: Aerial view of the port of Cape Town, South Africa. Getty Images

The joint declaration of intent was signed by Germany’s economy minister Robert Habeck and South Africa's electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. Through this partnership, South Africa will establish a task force to look into the development and growth of the green hydrogen market. The country, however, will not receive any financial assistance from Germany.

To meet the 2050 net zero target, Europe is tapping into Africa’s yet-to-be-developed green hydrogen industry. In order to establish a route for the export of green hydrogen and other alternative fuels from Africa to Europe, the EU and many other European nations are also making significant investments in Africa.

In March, a consortium of companies and organisations including from the maritime, mining, steel and energy sectors signed a pact to develop a green corridor for zero-emission shipping of iron ore between South Africa and Europe.

Last week, The Port of Rotterdam Authority partnered with Namibia to help develop green hydrogen infrastructure in the African country. Similarly, the EU signed a pact with Morocco last year, to invest millions in producing green hydrogen.

The African countries are also investing heavily to ensure they are not left behind by a potential hydrogen boom in the future.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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