27 Aug 2023
Sasol, a prominent JSE-listed energy group, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully producing its first green hydrogen at its Sasolburg site in June. This achievement comes as part of a groundbreaking project aimed at repurposing an operational electrolyser to generate green hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity.
A Glimpse into the Sasolburg Endeavor The energy giant has allocated R350 million for a pilot project in the Free State region. This initiative is poised to yield up to 5 tons of green hydrogen daily. CEO Fleetwood Grobler expressed pride in the fact that the initial batch of green hydrogen was generated using power sourced from a 3 MW solar photovoltaic facility situated in Sasolburg.
Future Prospects and Collaborations Sasol's vision extends beyond the current achievement, with consistent green hydrogen production anticipated to commence in early 2024. This transition will coincide with the operational launch of the 69 MW Msenge Emoyeni Wind Farm located in the Eastern Cape. The combined efforts of the Sasolburg solar farm and the Msenge wind farm will pave the way for commercializing green hydrogen on a larger scale in South Africa.
Grobler shared his optimism about this pivotal development, highlighting its significance not just for Sasol but for the entire country. He underscored the importance of this step in driving the energy transition towards sustainability.
Green Hydrogen for Multiple Applications The green hydrogen produced in Sasolburg holds great potential for diverse applications, particularly in the mobility sector. Grobler hinted at upcoming partnership announcements that will shed light on the collaborative endeavors Sasol is embarking upon. The mining industry and various mobility applications are expected to benefit from this pioneering initiative aimed at decarbonization.
Further Ventures: Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Mega-Hydrogen Project In addition to the Sasolburg feat, the energy conglomerate's joint venture, HySHiFT, for hydrogen-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is gaining traction. This initiative, pursued in collaboration with Linde, ENERGTRAG, and Hydregen, has been short-listed for an offtake agreement under Germany's H2Global platform. This move aligns with the wider goal of making green-hydrogen derivatives accessible and affordable for European consumers.
Moreover, Sasol's commitment to innovation is evident in its master plan for a mega-hydrogen project in the Northern Cape. The company is also closely monitoring developments related to the Boegoebaai port, which is poised to play a crucial role in advancing progress in this domain.
As Sasol continues to make strides in green hydrogen production, Sasolburg stands as a testament to the group's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the transformation of energy landscapes.