THE world’s largest hydrogen-powered mine haul truck was launched at Amplats’ Mogalakwena platinum group metals mine in Limpopo on Friday 6 May 2022.
Speaking at the event President Ramaphosa said Anglo’s hydrogen-fuelled truck was a gigantic leap for South Africa’s hydrogen economy, and it gives us a clear vision of what the future looks like.
In his speech President Ramaphosa affirmed government’s support for the proposed hydrogen valley project. In February the President announced that government plans to support the development of green-hydrogen projects worth about R270-billion over the next decade.
Germany has identified South Africa as a primary source of green hydrogen, and government intends to develop a domestic market for hydrogen, and export the excess, according to a Bloomberg report.
Nine green hydrogen projects have been identified for Gauteng, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. The hydrogen valley will start near Amplats’ platinum group metals mine in Limpopo, and extend through the industrial and commercial corridor to Johannesburg, leading to the south coast of Durban.
The hydrogen valley will bring together various hydrogen applications in the country to form an integrated hydrogen ecosystem.
Green hydrogen could pour billions into economy
Creating a hydrogen economy could add between $3.9-billion and $8.8-billion to country’s gross domestic product by 2050 and create between 14 000 and 30 000 jobs each year, according to the Hydrogen Valley Feasibility Study Report published last year.
The feasibility study was completed in partnership with Anglo American Platinum, clean energy solutions provider Bambili Energy, and energy and services company ENGIE.
Bambili Energy CEO Zanele Mavuso Mbatha is upbeat about the project’s potential to stimulate investment opportunities and new export markets.
Ramaphosa said developing the hydrogen economy is a critical component of the Economic Reconstruction Recover Plan, and the proposed hydrogen valley will position South Africa as a global centre for green hydrogen production.
Using hydrogen as an energy carrier could reduce South Africa’s dependence on fossil fuels and the country’s reliance on imported oil.
