South African Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande is currently in Japan, to participate in Tokyo GX Week and to promote collaboration in the development of hydrogen as an energy source in South Africa. Tokyo GX Week is an initiative of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), GX standing for “Green Transformation”.

The adoption of hydrogen, “at scale”, as an energy source in South Africa, is the aim of the South African Department of Science and Innovation’s (DSI’s) Hydrogen Society Roadmap, which was launched last year. The roadmap serves as a national framework to coordinate and facilitate the integration of hydrogen-linked technologies across a range of the country’s economic sectors. One critical outcome for the roadmap is the creation of a hydrogen products and components manufacturing industry in South Africa.

“Tokyo GX Week aims to accelerate efforts towards net zero emissions,” explained the DSI, in its statement. “The programme of international meetings related to energy and the environment aims to achieve green transformation (GX), moving countries away from fossil fuel-dependent economic, social and industrial structures towards clean energy that will lead to economic growth and development as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”

On Monday, the Minister, along with the South African delegation, attended the Plenary Session of Tokyo GX Week. He also addressed the sixth Hydrogen Energy Ministerial meeting, which was attended by leading members of the private sector in the energy and environmental fields, as well as by Ministers and senior public sector officials.

On Tuesday, the DSI and the Japan External Trade Organisation co-hosted a bilateral workshop. The purpose of the workshop was to allow Japanese and South African organisations to discuss the joint creation of a large-scale hydrogen demonstration project.

Barring last-minute hiccups, Minister Nzimande and Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura will sign a memorandum of cooperation on behalf of the DSI and METI respectively. This will be focused on the development of an affordable and sustainable hydrogen and ammonia supply chain.

South Africa and Japan have cooperated in the fields of science and technology since 2003. Nzimande’s visit to Japan will conclude on Wednesday.