Advancing UK-South Africa Green hydrogen cooperation

Turner & Townsend has recently coordinated a three-day UK visit for the South Africa / UK Hydrogen Trade Mission, comprising delegates from the South African Department of Science & Innovation and major players from the hydrogen industry.

The mission was set up by the UK2070 Commission to explore potential trade relationships that could generate business opportunities in hydrogen high technology manufacturing and contribute to the growth of a sustainable, resilient and productive net-zero economy in South Africa. It will support establishing strategic partnerships that will promote locally developed intellectual property across the Hydrogen Valley corridor of South Africa, enabling the sale and export of green hydrogen and green ammonia to UK markets.

During the mission, meetings were held with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the Department for International Trade. It concluded with a roundtable discussion in the House of Lords, led by David Hodkinson, Turner & Townsend’s Global Director for Renewables and Clean Energy.

Vivien Naidoo, Director in South Africa, said, “Green hydrogen has the potential to make a huge contribution to social and economic growth globally, particularly as we face the current challenges around energy security and inflationary headwinds. Our teams in the UK and South Africa have been working to unlock opportunities for government departments, academia and business – in their respective markets to advance this aim.”

The success of this hydrogen mission represents an important step towards realising this goal and fully aligns with our commitment to driving the growth of productive, resilient, and net zero economies.

A return trade mission is due to be held in November, where it is hoped further progress will be made to establish high-growth partnerships and trade relationships.