Minister Nzimande Launches 2kW PEM Electrolyser System to Advance South Africa's Green Hydrogen Innovation Agenda
Sasolburg, Free State Province, 31 July 2026 – The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, today officially launched the 2kW Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyser System at Sasol One, Sasolburg Operations, marking an important step in South Africa's efforts to build a competitive green hydrogen innovation ecosystem.
The launch took place on the final day of the inaugural National Science Month, held under the theme "Science, Technology and Innovation Are for Everyone."
Minister Nzimande said the deployment demonstrates the value of placing science, technology, and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry, and society.
The 2kW PEM Electrolyser System supports South Africa's broader hydrogen economy ambitions by strengthening local research, development, and innovation capabilities, especially in technologies that use Platinum Group Metals.
The initiative forms part of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation's effort to expand the country's role in critical minerals beneficiation, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy technologies.
Minister Nzimande said South Africa must move beyond being a supplier of raw critical minerals and become a competitive producer of advanced materials, hydrogen technologies, battery components, and manufactured products.
"South Africa is not waiting for the future to arrive; we are building it with our own knowledge and capabilities. Today's launch demonstrates the power of collaboration among government, research institutions, industry, and academia in support of a just energy transition," said Minister Nzimande.
The Minister welcomed the partnership between the Department, Sasol, North-West University, and the South African National Energy Development Institute, noting that such collaborations are essential to build skills, create industrial value, support localisation, and stimulate innovation-led economic growth.
The launch also aligns with South Africa's Hydrogen Society Roadmap, which seeks to use the country's mineral endowment to support industrialisation, decarbonisation, energy security, regional competitiveness, and job creation.
Minister Nzimande further called for deeper regional collaboration across the Southern African Development Community, including shared research infrastructure, harmonised standards, skills development, regional beneficiation, and cross-border innovation partnerships.
He also encouraged stakeholders in the Vaal region to consider establishing a local Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum to strengthen collaboration among science councils, universities, industry, and local businesses.
