Sasol to lead feasibility study for green hydrogen export hub in S Africa

South African chemicals and energy company Sasol Ltd (JSE:SOL) will be exploring the potential of the Boegoebaai project in the Namakwa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to become an export hub for both green hydrogen and ammonia.

Sasol announced on Wednesday that it has entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Northern Cape Development Agency (NCEDA) to lead a 24-month feasibility study, the outcome of which will determine the next step of development. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) will provide joint funding for the feasibility study.

The company, which has committed to become net zero by 2050, has been working together with the Infrastructure and Investment Office (IIO) of the Presidency on the development of a hydrogen economy in South Africa. Sasol also has a MOA signed with the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) to leverage Special Economic Zones (SEZs) earmarked as enablers to unlocking the country's green hydrogen market potential for domestic use. Boegoebaai is just one of several green hydrogen, ammonia and power-to-X (P2X) opportunities being assessed by Sasol.

"As the lead project integrator, Sasol will bring together strategic partners along the value chain and other enabling role players that will drive industrialisation of the Northern Cape. These include potential customers, funders, investors, technology suppliers and South African green energy providers,” said Priscillah Mabelane, executive vice president for energy at Sasol.

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