Sasol launches PEM electrolyser to boost South Africa’s green hydrogen drive

Sasol has commissioned a 2-kilowatt proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser at its Research and Technology (R&T) campus in Sasolburg, Free State, as the energy and chemicals company works with public-sector and academic partners to advance South Africa’s green hydrogen capabilities. 

The system was developed through a collaboration between Sasol, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (DSTI) Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) programme, the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and North-West University. 

The newly commissioned electrolyser will provide a platform for testing hydrogen production technologies, assessing locally developed systems under renewable energy conditions and supporting skills development in South Africa’s growing hydrogen sector. 

The project forms part of efforts to strengthen local innovation and build the technical foundation needed for the wider adoption of green hydrogen technologies, which are expected to support cleaner fuels, chemical production and industrial applications.

Supporting South Africa’s hydrogen technology development 

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande said the project highlights the connection between South Africa’s critical mineral resources, industrial development and clean energy ambitions. 

“The relationship between critical minerals, beneficiation and green hydrogen in the context of the renewable energy agenda is key,” Nzimande said, adding that platinum group metals could play an important role in developing future hydrogen technologies. 

He said the knowledge generated from the project would support the commercialisation of green hydrogen solutions, help expand South Africa’s export opportunities and encourage greater domestic use of hydrogen technologies.

Sasol highlights value of collaboration 

Sasol Executive Vice President for Business Building, Strategy and Technology Sarushen Pillay said the commissioning shows the progress that can come from cooperation between government, industry and research institutions. 

“This commissioning is a powerful example of what can be achieved when government, academia and industry work together to advance South Africa’s future energy security,” Pillay said. 

He added that hydrogen would become an important component in producing lower-carbon fuels and chemicals, while the Sasolburg facility would allow locally developed electrolyser technology to be tested in an industrial environment.

Advancing local clean energy capability 

The commissioning is part of the DSTI’s Hydrogen South Africa programme, which focuses on research, innovation, intellectual property development and the commercial deployment of hydrogen technologies. 

Sasol is a global chemicals and energy company headquartered in South Africa, with operations across several international markets.

The company produces fuels and chemicals and is investing in lower-carbon technologies, including renewable energy and green hydrogen solutions, as it works to reduce emissions from its operations. 

The company and its partners said continued investment in research, skills development and technology testing will be important to building a stronger hydrogen value chain and supporting South Africa’s transition toward a lower-carbon economy.