Sasol Unveils South Africa's First Homegrown Hydrogen Electrolyzer
Sasol has inaugurated South Africa's first locally manufactured hydrogen electrolyzer, marking the country's entry into electrolyzer production despite its dominance in platinum and iridium mining. The 2-kilowatt electrolyzer will support hydrogen technology testing and skills development under the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) program. The project represents a first step toward. . .
Sasol has inaugurated South Africa's first locally manufactured hydrogen electrolyzer, marking the country's entry into electrolyzer production despite its dominance in platinum and iridium mining. The 2-kilowatt electrolyzer will support hydrogen technology testing and skills development under the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) program. The project represents a first step toward large-scale hydrogen infrastructure, including a planned 200-megawatt electrolyzer at Secunda and a national target of at least 15 gigawatts of electrolyzer capacity. Although South Africa produces nearly all of the world's platinum and iridium—two metals that are essential for hydrogen electrolyzers—the country had never manufactured an electrolyzer until now. Sasol inaugurated the country's first locally produced electrolyzer on Friday, July 31. The 2-kilowatt (kW) electrolyzer was developed under the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) program. The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation leads the initiative in partnership with the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and North-West University. Sasol will install the electrolyzer at its research and technology campus in Sasolburg. The company will use the facility to test hydrogen production technologies under real-world conditions using variable renewable energy and to develop local technical expertise. Afripoli reported in March that platinum and iridium serve as irreplaceable catalysts in electrolyzers that produce green hydrogen through water electrolysis. South Africa controls most of the world's reserves of both metals, which account for a significant share of the country's mining exports and contribute up to 6% of annual gross domestic product. By manufacturing its first electrolyzer domestically, South Africa has started converting its mineral wealth into higher-value industrial products. "This inauguration is a powerful example of what can be achieved when government, academia and industry work together,"Sasol Executive Vice President Sarushen Pillay said, according toEngineering News. "Hydrogen is an essential element for producing sustainable fuels and chemicals, and this program provides a unique industrial platform to advance locally developed electrolyzer technology,"he added. First step toward larger industrial projectsThe newly launched electrolyzer serves as a precursor to significantly larger industrial projects. Sasol belongs to the HySHiFT consortium, which plans to build a 200-megawatt (MW) electrolyzer at Secunda to produce sustainable aviation fuel. The consortium includes Linde, ENERTRAG and HydRegen Energy, according to the Green Hydrogen Organisation. The strategy extends beyond hydrogen production alone. Platinum and iridium also play a critical role in fuel cells, which convert hydrogen into electricity to power vehicles and buildings. As a result, South Africa occupies a strategic position across both ends of the hydrogen value chain, Discovery Alert reported in June. The country ultimately aims to install at least 15 gigawatts (GW) of electrolyzer capacity, according to theLabour Market Intelligence Report 2024. This article was initially published in French by Abdel-Latif BoureimaAdapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum