Limpopo SEZ’s green hydrogen project set to usher youth and SMMEs to greener pastures

Green Hydrogen manufacturing and mineral beneficiation are set to break ground at Limpopo SEZ’s writes Mokgadi Mogy Mashako

Sekhukhune based entrepreneur Kgaugelo Mampuru whose company derives 80% of its revenue from doing business with mines in the Steelpoort area of Limpopo is hopeful the proposed Fetakgomo Tubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ) will result in an economic boom and boost job creation.

FTSEZ’s phase 1 is marked for light and heavy industrial use plus other hydrogen energy-related uses. While phases 2 and 3 are reserved for development in renewable energy, property and the heavy and light industry.

Mampuru, who runs hydraulics company PCM Mining Supply said small businesses have a higher chance of success should they implement new technologies in their operations.

“This will result in an economic boom in our town and boost our youth with job opportunities and give birth to 4 IR consulting companies in the area,” Mampuru said.

Her company specialises in hydraulics and other services such as artisan facilitation to mines.

“Presently big companies outside the province are benefiting enormously because of the lack of advanced technologies in local SMME services,” Mampuru said.

Residents of the Vhembe and Sekhukhune districts are set to witness mega digital transformation, industrial development, and the large-scale establishment of renewable energy production.

Musina-Makhado (MMSEZ) and Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ’s (FTSEZ) offer to lower carbon emissions, fight climate change, develop local industries and enhance energy security.

The MMSEZ, on Friday 1 July, entered into a partnership with the Australian company African Resources Development Energy (ARD Energy).

The deal also entails that when the SEZ scales up to full production, South African Hydrogen plants will be able to use the country’s coal for SA’s power generation.

ARD’s Australian partner Paladin Hydrogen is expected to produce over 172,000 tons of green Hydrogen annually.

Director for Energy at ARD, Naphtally Mafa, said there is no coal combustion in the coal-to-hydrogen process.

“This unique technology uses coal as feed stock into a system of reactors which creates clean Hydrogen…Therefore there are no greenhouse gas emissions, the process is scalable on a worldwide basis, and it is highly profitable,” said Mafa.

The MMSEZ recently marked the commencement of the development of bulk infrastructure at its northern site.

MMSEZ CEO Lehlogonolo Masoga said the strategic green energy initiative adds up to their existing investment pipeline in clean energy of 1000MW solar plant currently undergoing a project preparation phase.

The SEZ’s second site is situated between the Musina and Makhado local municipalities designated for a heavy industrial park focusing on renewable energy and metallurgy.

President Cyril Ramaphosa attending the G7 Leader’s Summit in Germany last week, warned leaders against limiting enterprises to supply key export industries with sustainable energy solutions.

Limpopo, Gauteng, and Kwa Zulu Natal provinces have been identified as potential Hydrogen hubs, where the government plans to grow industrial clusters along mining regions and major transport corridors.

Fetakgomo Tubatse Special Economic Zone

Situated in the platinum, vanadium, iron ore, and battery mineral-rich bushveld of Sekhukhune, the FTSEZ is placed within over 40 mining operations and their immediate communities.

The SEZ’s 1220 hectares of land is dedicated to green energy manufacturing and mineral beneficiation.

Positioned 380 km to the Port of Maputo, 600km to the Port of Richard’s Bay, and 400km to Musina Beitbridge Border post, FTSEZ offers business growth for the production of solar and biomass energy and the manufacturing of hydrogen energy from fossil fuels.

Solly Kgopong, FTSEZ Executive Manager, said at the close of sub-Saharan Africa’s leading Manufacturing Indaba that one anchor platform for the SEZ is the 4th Industrial revolution.

“We want to develop the Fetakgomo Tubatse area as a green energy hub in the province using mainly Hydrogen from fuels cells derived from platinum. The SEZ will be both a consumer and manufacturer of green energy.

“Technologies for manufacturing goods, machinery, and equipment used by mines are very key for the SEZ in developing a mining inputs supplier cluster,” Kgopong said.

“Furthermore, we will incubate SMMEs and young people with industry in preparing them for the manufacturing activities,” he added. – news@mukurukuru.co.za