Sasol has commissioned Envision Energy to conduct a design study for a green hydrogen system at its Sasolburg operations, marking a step towards assessing options for producing lower-carbon fuels and chemicals, CHEManager reported.
The study will examine how renewable energy generation, energy storage and electrolyser technologies can be combined to produce green hydrogen. Depending on the study results and future investment decisions, the hydrogen could be used to produce eMethanol and potentially sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) at Sasolburg.
Sasol is assessing ways to use its existing industrial capabilities and infrastructure while considering technologies that could support its energy transition and create future market opportunities.
Danie Cronje, Sasol Senior Vice President: Business Building, said the study would help assess how renewable energy, storage and electrolyser technologies could support cost-competitive green hydrogen production at Sasolburg.
“By drawing on leading global expertise, we can evaluate how these technologies may contribute to future lower-carbon fuel and chemical value chains, while building on Sasol’s existing industrial capabilities,” Cronje said.
Kane Xu, Senior Vice President and President of International Product Line at Envision Energy, said green hydrogen would have an important role in changing industries where reducing emissions is difficult and in creating new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Envision’s proposed system combines renewable energy sources, battery storage systems and electrolysers. The system is designed to adjust green hydrogen production based on expected energy availability and prices.
The design study is expected to be completed later this year. Its findings will provide the technical and commercial information needed to assess possible next steps for the project.
The collaboration also reflects continued cooperation between South Africa and China in energy innovation and highlights opportunities to assess technologies that could support industrial competitiveness and lower-carbon energy solutions.
