South Africa inches closer to establishing a hydrogen exports port

South Africa inches closer to establishing a hydrogen exports port: South Africa’s Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has shortlisted three consortiums to build a hydrogen exporting hub at Boegoebaai Port in South Africa’s Northern Cape province as well as accompanying rail infrastructure, according to a statement. The project — estimated to cost USD 785 mn in its initial phase — will establish the required infrastructure for manganese, green ammonia, and other commodity exports in the Northern Cape, the statement notes. The three groups — Boegoebaai Port & Rail Consortium, Project Elephant Consort, and Boegoebaai Development Consortium — were shortlisted from eight local and international consortia that had applied to undertake the project. TNPA will issue requests for proposals for the design, fund, and build the project from the three consortiums.

South Africa has big green fuel export plans: The country is looking to snap up 4% of theglobal market share of the green hydrogen production sector by 2050. To realize its target, South Africa is looking to increase its electrolysis capacity to 10 GW in the Northern Cape by 2030 and produce about 500 kilotons of hydrogen annually by the same time. Last month, the Netherlands and Denmark said they would set up a USD 1 bn fund to invest in green hydrogen projects in South Africa. Germany also announced a cooperation agreement with the country to assist in developing markets for green hydrogen, facilitating imports, and connecting hydrogen developers with technology partners.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

• India’s green taxonomy is coming: Planned regulatory and policy frameworks in India will likely stimulate investments to help fund the USD 200 bn needed annually for the country’s energy transition. (Bloomberg)
• Japan wants to slash fossil fuel imports: Japan is considering subsidies to help activate offline nuclear plants as the country looks to cut imports of expensive fossil fuels. (Bloomberg)
• Deutschland's green hydrogen plan greenlit: Germany approved its new national hydrogen strategy yesterday, doubling its targeted electrolysis capacity to 10 GW by 2030 — up from a previous target of 5 GW. (Reuters)