Challenges and Future Prospects of Hydrogen Technologies and Renewable Energy Integration in South Africa: A Review

The transition to net-zero emissions has heightened interest in green hydrogen as a crucial energy carrier for decarbonising sectors that are difficult to abate. South Africa, endowed with abundant solar and wind resources, has considerable potential to become a global hub for green hydrogen. Nonetheless, challenges remain in effectively integrating renewable energy with hydrogen production in a cost-efficient and scalable manner. This review examines hydrogen technologies and the integration of renewable energy in the context of South Africa’s transition to green hydrogen, highlighting the potential for sustainable development. It explores and presents the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of hydrogen production pathways (thermal, biological, photolysis, and electrochemical) in the South African context, where renewable-powered water electrolysis is emphasised, underscoring the environmental benefits of low-carbon hydrogen. The key electrolysis technologies—alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), proton exchange membrane (PEM), solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC), and anion exchange membrane (AEM)—are evaluated based on efficiency, durability, operational flexibility, and compatibility with intermittent renewable energy sources. The study explores the role of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hybrid systems, in sustainable hydrogen production, accentuating resource variability, infrastructure, and policy factors. Additionally, it evaluates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced optimisation techniques to improve system performance, reduce costs, and address challenges such as intermittency and scalability. Key opportunities include leveraging South Africa’s abundant renewable resources and AI-driven technologies, while threats involve resource constraints and policy uncertainty. The review underscores the importance of integrated approaches combining emerging hydrogen production technologies with AI-enabled solutions to enhance viability and foster a robust, sustainable green hydrogen sector in South Africa.