South Africa is making remarkable progress in its pursuit of a hydrogen-based economy, with Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, set to lead a delegation to Tokyo, Japan, starting on September 25, 2023. The primary objective of this visit is to demonstrate South Africa's commitment to hydrogen energy and foster collaboration, investment, and innovation in this critical sector.

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has played a pivotal role in South Africa's efforts to establish a hydrogen economy. The visit to Japan serves as a platform to showcase DSI's work in hydrogen energy and promote partnerships that align with the Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa.

The Hydrogen Society Roadmap, unveiled by the DSI in 2022, is a national framework designed to facilitate the integration of hydrogen-related technologies across various sectors of South Africa's economy. This roadmap is instrumental in driving economic growth, in line with the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. A key goal of the roadmap is the establishment of a manufacturing sector for hydrogen products and components.

Minister Nzimande's engagements in Japan will commence with his participation in the Tokyo GX Week Plenary Session on September 25. Tokyo GX Week, hosted by Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), Yasutoshi Nishimura, centers on accelerating efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. The program aims to transition countries away from fossil fuel-dependent structures towards clean energy solutions, fostering both economic development and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, Dr. Nzimande will address the 6th Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, which will convene global leaders in the energy and environmental sectors, spanning both public and private domains.

On September 26, the DSI will collaborate with the Japan External Trade Organization to organize a South Africa-Japan workshop. The primary objective is to facilitate discussions between South African and Japanese entities regarding the development of a large-scale hydrogen demonstration project.

A significant highlight of the visit is the expected signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the DSI and METI, to be endorsed by Minister Nzimande and Mr. Nishimura. This memorandum seeks to foster collaboration in the development of a sustainable and cost-effective hydrogen and ammonia supply chain. Both South Africa and Japan recognize the significance of this partnership in achieving their shared goal of net-zero emissions.

The engagements between South Africa and Japan are scheduled to continue until September 27, exemplifying the enduring relationship between the two nations and their shared interests in science, technology, and innovation. Bilateral cooperation in these fields has flourished since the signing of an agreement on science, technology, and innovation in 2003, further strengthening the bonds between the two countries.

This visit marks a significant stride in South Africa's journey towards a hydrogen-based economy and underscores the pivotal role of international collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges.