In the build-up to the inaugural Green Hydrogen Summit, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a green hydrogen (GH2) hub and corridor.
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The MoU includes heads of agreement on the principles and areas of cooperation for this historic change. It will also bring together efforts to create a Western SADC Green Hydrogen Corridor.
Winde stressed that the provincial government could not afford to wait for solutions to address the dual challenges of the climate and energy crises, both of which continue to worsen.
“We, along with our strategic partners must create and jump on opportunities,” he said. “This MoU is just the beginning of our historic move towards developing a green hydrogen economy through building critical relationships, in this case, with our Northern Cape colleagues and role players in the private sector.”
Winde also said that GH2 would be a big part of the transition to a net-zero energy system around the world, and that the Western Cape was a good place to be a future global producer and trader in the energy market. This would be a good addition to the Northern Cape’s planned new bulk export port at Boegoebaai.
“This project will secure foreign direct investment, earn foreign revenue as well as generate economic growth and jobs,” he emphasised. “There must be a sense of urgency in this project given the seriousness of the challenges we are facing.”
Meanwhile, Wesgro, the Western Cape’s official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency, also welcomed the MoU.
“The world’s attention is on achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with over $130 trillion in investment into renewable energy and energy efficiency required to meet this target,” said Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander. “At this pivotal moment, we have a unique opportunity to access a large piece of the investment pie. South Africa’s energy crisis has catapulted our capability in the global race for energy transition.”
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Pictures: Supplied