South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in conjunction with the governments of Denmark and the Netherlands, has announced a significant $1bn initiative aimed at fostering a green hydrogen initiative to combat climate change. The investment will support South Africa’s strategy to establish itself as a global exporter of green hydrogen, a renewable source of energy that does not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
The announcement came during a business forum at Pretoria’s Capital hotel. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, enthusiastically backed South Africa’s drive against climate change, highlighting the country’s potential to become a leading player in the hydrogen market. Rutte believes the Netherlands is well-suited to act as a strategic ally, aiding in the development of renewable energy, hydrogen, and infrastructure, and serving as a hub for hydrogen imports.
His views were mirrored by the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, who expressed pride in Denmark’s partnership in South Africa’s equitable energy transition. The Scandinavian country has pledged approximately R3.2 billion to enhance green power supply, bolster local skills, job opportunities, and development. Frederiksen, a social Democrat, emphasised the necessity of balancing growth, climate change mitigation and development.
President Ramaphosa expressed his gratitude towards his fellow leaders for their commitment to renewable energy investment, asserting that it would bring mutual benefits to all three nations involved. He said, “The engagements that have been held during this visit are very important for all our three countries. They provide a glimpse of what South Africa has to offer and allow for direct exchanges on how we can best collaborate on the numerous available opportunities.”
In addition, Ramaphosa took the occasion to discuss his recent diplomatic engagements in Russia and Ukraine, emphasising the urgency for the ongoing conflict to conclude, preferably through negotiation, because “all wars have to come to an end.”
South Africa’s vision is to use the green hydrogen initiative to manufacture hydrogen for multiple applications including aviation, green steel production, transportation, amongst others, as well as exporting it to the European Union.
