V Nkosi

One of the significant resolutions the ANC has adopted was towards Green Energy and to develop South Africa’s capacity to participate in global green energy value chains. Giving impetus to this is the recent announcement of a deal between South Africa and the European Union worth R628 million to support the country’s green hydrogen agenda. The EU grant will be delivered in two tranches.

The first, a R490 million EU grant, is expected to leverage R10 billion in private and public sector finance across the hydrogen value chain, covering production, transportation, storage and downstream industries. A second EU grant of R138 million to assist Transnet in its turn-around strategy, is expected to leverage additional funding for the green transformation of its core operational areas, including ports, rail, pipeline, engineering and related facilities.

The main objective is to increase investments in green hydrogen infrastructure and contribute to reducing global greenhouse emissions, notably in sectors where this is particularly challenging, and promoting local development and economic growth by creating jobs, providing water treatment, and increasing access to green energy.

We welcome the partnership as it aims to accelerate the green transition, drive sustainable development and create new economic opportunities.