Vinh Long: Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina will visit Japan from 15 to 18 September 2025 to deepen cooperation in hydrogen energy and sustainable fuels, reports Vietnam Plus.
On 15 September, Gina will take part in the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting and the Ministerial Meeting on Sustainable Fuels, placing South Africa at the centre of global discussions on hydrogen policy and collaboration.
According to the department, the Deputy Minister’s engagements with Japanese officials will focus on international cooperation, stimulating demand, and building supply chains between South Africa and Japan.
The meetings are being held alongside Expo 2025 Osaka, which showcases innovations from around the world and highlights Japan’s technological drive towards a hydrogen-powered society.
“These engagements will help establish the institutional foundations needed for market-based hydrogen trading and price discovery, legitimising hydrogen as a tradable energy asset,” the department said.
Japan has committed to building secure and transparent global supply chains and aims to create international markets to support its investments in hydrogen production, transport and utilisation technologies. In sustainable fuels, its priority is to accelerate the use of biofuels, e-fuels, and e-methane, especially in hard-to-regulate industries such as aviation and shipping, in partnership with Brazil through the Initiative for Sustainable Fuels and Mobility.
From 16 to 18 September, Gina will also hold discussions with Japanese government officials, academics, and industry leaders, including Toyota, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and researchers from Kyoto and Osaka universities. Topics will range from nanotechnology and carbon recycling to astronomy and space science.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Gina said the Ministerial Meeting on Sustainable Fuels is particularly important for South Africa as it works to diversify its energy portfolio for inclusive, sustainable growth.
“To cut carbon intensity in aviation, South Africa wants to learn from Japan’s progress in sustainable aviation fuel. Strengthening ties with Japanese research institutions and enterprises will be crucial,” she said.
According to Gina, insights from the mission will support South Africa in building strong infrastructure for renewable hydrogen and sustainable fuels, with the potential to transform major sectors. This includes decarbonising mining and power generation, advancing aviation and transport with cleaner fuels, and boosting manufacturing industries around hydrogen storage, fuel cells and electrolysers. The agricultural sector could also benefit through low-carbon fertilisers that strengthen food supply chains.
“These initiatives can drive green industrialisation, create jobs in energy-intensive industries, and improve the resilience of transport and logistics networks—supporting South Africa’s wider social and economic goals,” Gina said.
Japan has been a strategic ally in science, research and innovation since the two countries formalised a cooperation agreement in 2003. The department said South Africa will continue to draw on Japan’s strengths in vehicle manufacturing, electronics and commercialising research to expand joint initiatives in industrial development and technology.
