Tokyo: Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to advancing sustainable fuels and hydrogen energy. Addressing the Ministerial Meeting on Sustainable Fuels, Gina highlighted the country’s strides in decarbonising its economy, despite its historically carbon-intensive profile. The Deputy Minister, who is currently on an official visit to Japan, stressed the importance of international collaboration.
According to South African Government News Agency, the intention of the meeting is to enhance efforts in line with the global momentum on sustainable fuels, in collaboration with relevant countries and international organisations. Gina recognised the pivotal role of sustainable fuels in climate action, stressing that they are essential to South Africa’s decarbonisation drive, which aims at powering industries, transport systems, and the wider economy while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
The Deputy Minister pointed to robust policy frameworks, such as the Biofuel Regulatory Framework (BRF), and support for research and innovation as central to South Africa’s strategy. ‘One of the key drivers of expanding the scale-up, production and utilisation of sustainable fuels is the creation of robust policy and regulatory frameworks,’ she explained, highlighting the importance of collaboration in research, development, and innovation.
In addition to sustainable fuels, Gina emphasized South Africa’s expanding focus on hydrogen. She highlighted the importance of building global supply chains and forging cross-border projects to ensure that sustainable fuels flow seamlessly across regions, strengthening both energy security and economic resilience. At the 7th Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, Gina addressed the theme, ‘Demand Creation,’ underscoring the need to build both supply and demand for hydrogen.
South Africa’s efforts include establishing hydrogen valleys and hubs, supporting projects like the Platinum Valley Initiative (PVI), and introducing hydrogen into the power sector. To further stimulate demand, Gina cited the introduction of tax incentives for manufacturing new energy vehicles, including hydrogen-powered vehicles, through the Taxation Laws Amendment Act No. 42 of 2024.
Gina also called for an inclusive transition, emphasizing that the creation of a sustainable fuel future must incorporate just, inclusive and transformative principles. She highlighted the importance of training, reskilling, and knowledge transfer to ensure that the transition creates jobs and uplifts communities globally.
The Deputy Minister is in Japan until Thursday to engage with Japanese officials on international collaboration, demand stimulation, and supply chain development between the two nations. The Ministerial Meetings are held in collaboration with Expo 2025 Osaka, which aims to address global issues and showcase Japan’s technological capabilities in achieving a hydrogen-powered society.