It was announced on Tuesday (November 22) at the start of South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa’s formal state visit to the UK, that the countries will join forces to drive economic growth and “turbocharge” infrastructure investment.

H2 View understands, the UK Government will confirm new grant-funded technical assistance to South Africa to help unlock green hydrogen opportunities  and boost skills in the sector.

Under the next phase of the UK-South Africa Infrastructure Partnership, the UK hopes to support South Africa’s economic growth through major infrastructure developments and offering increased access to UK companies to projects worth over £5.37bn over the next three years.

The Hydrogen Council’s Global Hydrogen Flows report highlighted the UK as a hydrogen demand centre in 2050, however believes it will be unlikely to meet its own demand. Masdar’s Africa’s Green Energy Revolution report found that Africa could produce 30-60 million tonnes of hydrogen annually, with 20-40 million tonnes expected for export.

Read more: Regional hydrogen supply and demand mismatch will force global trade links by 2050, report predicts

Read more: Africa could produce 30-60 million tonnes of hydrogen annually

Additionally, the countries intend on establishing a partnership to promote shared learning in technical and vocational education, driving youth employment.

Commenting on the partnership, Rishi Sunak, UK Prime Minister, said, “South Africa is already the UK’s biggest trading partner on the continent, and we have ambitious plans to turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together.”

UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, added, “The UK’s relationship with South Africa is hugely important to us. Together we are working to deliver for the British and South African people, creating jobs, enhancing trade and investment, and boosting inclusive economic growth.”

UK Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, continued, “Today we’re moving into a new era of our dynamic trade relationship with South Africa, with exciting collaboration on infrastructure, clean technology, and renewable energy sources.”

Did you know H2 View is recognised as an official partner of the Hydrogen Council?

This means we get exclusive columns, interviews and studies that you won’t find anywhere else. Along with our featured webinars and events, H2 View is the go to global platform for the hydrogen industry.

Become a subscriber today to make sure you don’t miss out. Already a subscriber? Log in here.