South Africa: President Ramaphosa Announces First Wave of Green Hydrogen Projects

What the report says

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the first six projects in the country’s green hydrogen programme, marking a move from planning toward implementation and investment. The announcement was made at the African Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town, with the speech delivered on his behalf by Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, according to SAnews.gov.za, which was republished by AllAfrica.

The first project highlighted was the Phelan Green Group electro-sustainable aviation fuel venture in Saldanha Bay. It has reached a final investment decision after securing an off-take agreement and a $100 million equity commitment. Construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2027, and first exports are targeted for the first quarter of 2029. The other five priority projects cover green ammonia, hydrogen-based iron and steel, green methanol and other domestic-use applications, with several still at pre-feasibility or development stages.

Ramaphosa said the projects were selected through a screening process intended to improve bankability and investor confidence. He framed the programme as part of a wider push for South Africa and the continent to build local manufacturing, skills, and industrial capacity rather than remaining only suppliers of raw materials or energy inputs. He also pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area and regional cooperation as important enablers for future market growth.

More broadly, the announcement suggests South Africa is trying to position green hydrogen as both a decarbonisation tool and an industrial policy strategy. The president said a second wave of projects will follow, but the current focus is on turning credible proposals into financed projects with defined milestones.