South Africa’s potential green hydrogen future
On 17 February 2025, two environmental planning tools for the responsible planning and development of green hydrogen projects in South Africa were published. These tools were developed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE); Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit; the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); and GFA Consulting Group.
The tools are:
- Managing the Impacts of a Green Hydrogen / Power-to-X economy: an Environmental Impact Assessment Guideline for South Africa (Green Hydrogen / PtX EIA Guideline): This guideline is for environmental assessment practitioners, project developers, decision-makers, and stakeholders involved in the planning and environmental authorisation (EA) processes for potential green hydrogen projects.
- South African Green Hydrogen Potential Atlas (Green Hydrogen Potential Atlas): This atlas is an interactive tool for mapping the country’s most promising locations for green hydrogen production.
According to the DFFE, the Green Hydrogen / PtX EIA Guideline aims to remove regulatory uncertainty and ensure responsible project planning, and the Green Hydrogen Potential Atlas offers a powerful tool for identifying the best locations for green hydrogen production. These tools send a clear message to international investors, industry leaders, and policymakers that South Africa is ready to lead in green hydrogen innovation and production.
Environmental Planning Tools
These tools were published following the Green Hydrogen National Programme, the Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa by the Department of Science and Innovation, and the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
Green Hydrogen / PtX EIA Guideline
What is green hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is the conversion of electricity from renewable energy sources into gaseous or liquid energy carriers. It involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from renewable sources. The guideline focuses on a Power-to-X (PtX) approach, which includes green hydrogen and deals with converting renewable energy into various energy carriers.
The Green Hydrogen / PtX EIA Guideline provides guidance on identifying, managing, and resolving issues during the EA application process for green hydrogen projects. It includes:
- An explanation of green hydrogen technologies and potential project categories.
- An overview of the regulatory framework and best practices for authorisations, permits, and licenses required for green hydrogen projects.
- A step-by-step guide for environmental assessment practitioners on planning and conducting an EIA process for green hydrogen projects.
- Technical guidance and tools for proactive alignment with lenders’ requirements.
- Policy-level recommendations for understanding the opportunities and risks for a future South African Green Hydrogen / PtX economy.
The guideline suggests that Green Hydrogen / PtX could become a significant component of South Africa’s energy economy if policy aspirations are realised.
Green Hydrogen Potential Atlas
The Green Hydrogen Potential Atlas supports the spatial planning of green hydrogen projects by identifying regions that could further be identified for green hydrogen development feasibility. It was developed by considering certain variables such as the environmental conditions, sensitivities, and different users of the environment.
According to the CSIR, these tools are intended to assist industry, government, NGOs, and other stakeholders in integrating environmental and social planning of green hydrogen projects into existing legislation and decision-making. The Green Hydrogen Potential Atlas offers an integrated and techno-economic view of potential green hydrogen development opportunities.
Conclusion
Implementing the principles outlined in the Green Hydrogen / PtX EIA Guideline may establish South Africa as a leader in the global green hydrogen economy while ensuring long-term environmental and social sustainability.
At LnP Beyond Legal, we are ready to support developers, investors, decision-makers, and stakeholders in navigating the legal complexities of green hydrogen projects.
For more information and advice, contact Robin van Wyk, Head of our Environmental Practice.