Eskom has announced plans to build a pilot green hydrogen plant at its research and testing facility in Johannesburg, marking a significant step in the state-owned utility’s shift toward cleaner energy sources, reports Techcentral.
The tender invitation for the project, issued this week, is part of Eskom’s broader strategy to move away from its heavy reliance on coal and toward a more sustainable energy mix. While coal-fired power stations still produce the majority of South Africa’s electricity, Eskom has expressed its commitment to increasing the use of renewable energy such as wind and solar.
The utility said the green hydrogen pilot would directly support its decarbonisation efforts and could offer a promising solution for medium- to long-term energy storage — one of the key challenges in renewable energy deployment.
“This pilot project will give Eskom valuable insights into how green hydrogen could fit into our future plans,” the company said in a statement. “It will also help us navigate the regulatory environment and build the internal skills needed to support a renewable hydrogen future.”
Eskom CEO Dan Marokane emphasized the company’s commitment to finding innovative ways to cut emissions. “We are taking a multi-path approach to reduce our carbon footprint and are actively seeking technology-driven solutions to support this transition,” Marokane said.
He added that the pilot facility would give Eskom’s research teams the chance to explore the full green hydrogen value chain — from production to practical use — and prepare the utility for a meaningful role in South Africa’s energy transition.
Green hydrogen is created using renewable electricity to split water molecules through a process called electrolysis. Because it uses clean energy and emits no carbon dioxide, it is seen as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods, which typically rely on fossil fuels.
The new pilot plant will build on existing research at Eskom’s 400kW solar photovoltaic (PV) pilot site, which already includes battery testing capabilities. The initiative forms part of Eskom’s broader decarbonisation research.
In a related move, Eskom is also stepping up efforts to establish a separate renewable energy division. The company recently issued a tender for firms with proven experience in launching renewable energy businesses, aiming to accelerate the rollout of sustainable energy solutions across the country.
