South Africa showed important leadership last week by putting a platinum-based hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle through its paces just north of Johannesburg. Well done to Toyota, Sasol, Air Products and the Gauteng provincial government for involving themselves in a demonstration of zero-emission mobility.
Several decades ago, a vehicle powered by a South African-developed battery was driven through the streets of Johannesburg, very well ahead of what is now happening globally with battery electric vehicles. But that demonstration was a once-off and battery cars were allowed to come via a route in which South Africa played no part.
That must not be allowed to happen in the case of green hydrogen and the holistic green impact it can deliver. What we saw take place last week must be the start of South Africa’s energy sovereignty in mobile power, stationary power and green industry. The country has the wherewithal to get ahead on the green transition front and it must make sure it does.