Advancing Renewable Energy, Science Education, and Sustainable Development in South Africa through Hydrogen and Electrolysis Research
Submitted by
North-West University, HySA Centre of Competence, Faculty of Engineering
Summary of the impact:
Over the past five years (2018–2024), research collaborations led by consortium of NWU (via HySA CoC), Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES), SANEDI, and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Hydrogen South Africa (HySA), have resulted in measurable, verifiable improvements in energy access, education quality, food security, and environmental sustainability in rural South Africa.
These academic partnerships have:
- Enabled over 4,000 learners and educators in Limpopo and North West to gain hands-on access to renewable energy and science laboratories.
- Delivered clean off-grid electricity to previously energy-insecure schools.
- Trained technical and vocational interns in sustainable agriculture and hydrogen applications; and
- Advanced South Africa’s leadership in electrolysis and green hydrogen research, culminating in the 4th International Conference on Electrolysis (ICE 2023) and the development of a new ammonia production plant in collaboration with Japanese researchers.
These impacts—rooted in sustained academic research in renewable energy systems, hydrogen fuel cells, and electrolysis—extend far beyond academia, resulting in verifiable social, environmental, and economic benefits across multiple South African communities.