SA, Japan explore cooperation in hydrogen and ammonia value chains

South Africa and Japan have agreed in principle to explore strategic areas of collaboration to advance a memorandum of cooperation on hydrogen and ammonia signed between the two countries in 2023.

This follows a meeting between the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, and Japan's Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Mr Komori Takuo, on the sidelines of the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting (HEMM) in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, last week. 

“The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to deepen cooperation in science, technology and innovation, particularly in the hydrogen and ammonia sectors, which are increasingly recognised as critical to the global transition to low-carbon economies,” the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation said in a statement.

The parties agreed to develop and use the relevant technologies, including renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production, distribution and storage.

Human capital development was also identified as a strategic priority, including strengthening capacity across the hydrogen value chain through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, Universities of Technology, historically disadvantaged institutions and research-performing organisations.

Both parties further highlighted the importance of supporting the reskilling and upskilling of the current and future workforce to enable them to participate meaningfully in the emerging hydrogen economy. 

The two sides also underscored the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships and encouraging greater private sector participation in the development of hydrogen and ammonia projects. 

Welcoming the outcomes of the engagement, Dr Gina said the discussions marked an important step towards translating bilateral commitments into practical programmes that can drive innovation, industrial development and economic growth. 

"South Africa values its enduring partnership with Japan and welcomes the progress made in identifying concrete areas of cooperation in hydrogen and ammonia. Through collaboration in research, innovation, skills development and technology deployment, our two countries can contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and inclusive energy transition."

Gina met with Mr Terazawa Tatsuya, the President of the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) on the margins of HEMM to discuss ongoing cooperation under the 2023 Memorandum of Cooperation.

Gina reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to deepening cooperation with both METI and IEEJ, and indicated South Africa’s readiness to engage further on a programme of action to advance the implementation of the bilateral agreements. - SAnews.gov.za

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.