Coega and Prieska, in South Africa, and Lüderitz, in Namibia, are locations were green hydrogen and green ammonia projects are planned in Southern Africa – and correctly so. The region has got what it takes to produce these products competitively and the potential reward seems to outweigh the risk.
South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research estimates that green hydrogen and green ammonia could generate €160-billion a year from exports – a significant contribution to South Africa’s gross domestic product of €300-billion. The estimate was highlighted last week by the latest company to launch into green hydrogen, namely Prieska Power Reserve, which has teamed up with the Industrial Development Corporation, with the help of a combination of high-yielding renewable solar and wind energy resources.
Former Eskom CEO Thulani Gcabashe, as chair of Hive Hydrogen South Africa, is heading a feasibility study for the development of a green ammonia project in Coega, and Hyphen and Enertrag South Africa have big plans near Lüderitz, all three project developers doing what needs to be done in this region.