South Africa: CSIR to Lead Master Planning for Saldanha Green Hydrogen Hub

Research organization the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been appointed to coordinate Phase 1 of the West Coast Green Hydrogen Master Plan in Saldanha Bay, South Africa.

The initiative forms part of South Africa’s broader push to position Saldanha Bay as a green hydrogen production and export hub.

“This Master Plan is being developed in a collaborative manner that brings together key stakeholders from the three spheres of government, parastatals such as the Transnet National Ports Authority, private sector and civil society,” stated Paul Lochner, Environmental Assessment Practitioner, CSIR.

The project supports the Western Cape’s Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, aiming to boost energy security, economic growth and job creation by enabling investment in green hydrogen infrastructure. Phase 1 will assess land use, infrastructure needs and regulatory frameworks, while mapping out future investment pathways.

Freeport Saldanha, the project initiator – emphasizes that the partnership with CSIR is central to delivering a credible and forward-looking plan. With desalinated water and renewable power, the hub targets hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry, long-haul transport and maritime shipping.

“We are confident this partnership will deliver a Master Plan that not only outlines viable infrastructure and investment pathways but also reinforces Saldanha Bay’s long-term competitiveness in the global green hydrogen economy,” stated Shanon Neumann, Acting Executive-Ease of Doing Business, Freeport Saldanha.