Assessing the environmental and socio-economic challenges and opportunities for the green hydrogen economy in South Africa

This paper critically examines the environmental and socio-economic impacts of green hydrogen (GH 2 ) development in South Africa, investigating the challenges and opportunities for its successful implementation. Guided by the discourses on developments within South Africa's GH 2 economy, the study employs a rapid appraisal of existing literature to derive insights from both scholarly and non-scholarly sources, as well as case studies centered on key themes. As Africa's largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG), primarily due to its reliance on fossil fuels, South Africa's GH 2 economy has the potential to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors such as transport and agriculture. To realize this potential, the country must achieve competitive GH 2 production costs while addressing challenges such as renewable energy intermittency, energy security, and freshwater shortages. Furthermore, establishing comprehensive regulatory frameworks is crucial for promoting economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and ensuring environmental sustainability within the GH 2 economy. The paper also emphasizes the need for further research into freshwater availability, social inclusion strategies for electrolysis, and the development of inclusive policies nationwide.