CSIR researchers collaborated with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and GFA Consulting Group to develop two planning tools to support South Africa’s transition to a green hydrogen economy.

The South African Green Hydrogen Potential Atlas and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guideline were launched on Monday, 17 February 2025 at the Protea Hotel Fire and Ice in Pretoria. The programme director for the day, Viaksha Mohabir from H2.SA-GIZ, welcomed stakeholders from government departments, industries and organisations. These tools were developed through a collaborative effort to provide clear guidance for stakeholders navigating the green hydrogen sector,” she said.

Delivering the official opening remarks was the Chief Director of Climate Change Monitoring and Evaluation at DFFE, Jongikhaya Witi, who emphasised the importance of sustainable development. He said, “The development of these tools shows that we are committed to guiding practitioners and developers on what it means to have sensible development that takes sustainability into account and considers the environment.”

The Green Hydrogen EIA Guideline and Potential Atlas offer a comprehensive framework for responsible green hydrogen development. “The purpose of the EIA Guideline is to provide strategic insights into the main issues that may arise when undertaking an EIA process for a green hydrogen project,” said CSIR senior researcher Luanita Snyman-van der Walt, one of the key contributors to the project.

The Green Hydrogen Potential Atlas aims to support the spatial planning of green hydrogen developments. “As a freely available resource, the atlas can assist in identifying spatial prospects and constraints for green hydrogen development,” Luanita added.

The tools were developed by an interdisciplinary team of over 40 experts and refined through a multidisciplinary working group that convened periodically over 24 months.

Luanita explained that the tools are intended for everyone, including environmental assessment practitioners working on environmental assessments daily, project developers and policy- and decision-makers who need to determine which projects should proceed and under what conditions.

The audience also had the opportunity to learn from a variety of viewpoints during a fireside chat.

Moderated by Dr Jenitha Badul from DFFE, the panel discussion focused on how the EIA Guideline could assist in derisking green hydrogen development in South Africa.

The expert panelists included CSIR Senior Researcher Luanita Snyman-van der Walt, SLR Consulting Power Sector Leader Stuart-Heather Clark, WSP Associate Ashlea Strong, Presidential Climate Commission Senior Manager Simphiwe Ngwenya, Chief Director of Green Industries at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition Gerhard Fourie, and Deger Saygin from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The panelists shared their unique experiences and provided diverse perspectives, expertise and insights on renewable energy, power-to-X products (such as green hydrogen) and their role in the Just Energy Transition.   

Led at a ministerial level, the launch stimulated rich discussions and created a positive first impression among the intended users. While green hydrogen is widely recognised as a potential fuel of the future, its potential needs to be considered within holistic decision-making frameworks, supported by tools like the South African Green Hydrogen EIA Guideline and Potential Atlas.

Additional tools developed by the CSIR, GFA and others, funded by GIZ, can be accessed at: https://greenhydrogensummit.org.za/resources/.