The annual Hendrik van der Bijl Memorial Lecture, jointly presented by the South African Academy of Engineering (SAAE) and the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at the University of Pretoria on 27 October 2022, afforded members of the Academy and guests of the University of Pretoria the opportunity to consider how hydrogen can fuel a just energy transition.

Providing the impetus for critical thinking about the development of South Africa’s hydrogen economy, especially the role engineers will play in the transition from a fossil fuel-based dispensation, was Natascha Viljoen, Chief Executive Officer of Anglo American Platinum. 

Viljoen, who joined the leadership team of Anglo American Platinum in April 2020, was among the top 50 most powerful women internationally according to Forbes in 2020 and 2021, as well as one of the top 100 global inspirational women in mining in 2020. She is the Deputy Chairperson of the Energy Council of South Africa, and a Board member of the Hydrogen Council.

Paying tribute to the contribution of Hendrik van der Bijl in shaping the economy, future and history of the country, she recounted how, almost a century ago, he laid the foundations for the development of South African industry. She stated that he considered cheap power, cheap steel, financial and technical assistance, and education to be prerequisites for the future economic development of the country. He laid the foundation for what Viljoen calls “the first South African industrialisation”.

“However, many changes have taken place since then, and I believe that we are standing at the brink of a second South African industrialisation,” she said. Societal problems that we are facing today include poverty, the availability of and access to water, food, energy, health care and education. “Engineers are not only uniquely equipped to solve these problems, but also to improve people’s lives.”

In examining how hydrogen can fuel a just energy transition, within the context of mining, money, state and industry, her presentation covered the following topics:

• The climate change challenge
• The role of metals in a just transition
• Ethical supply chains
• The renewable energy potential
• Securing a just energy transition
• Scale of the hydrogen economy
• Hydrogen and the Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)
• Investing in new technologies
• The Hydrogen Road Map of South Africa

The development of a hydrogen economy is closely related to the climate change challenge in terms of the contribution it will make to the decarbonisation of electricity, transport and manufacturing, which collectively account for 70% of global carbon emissions. Although global commitments to reach a zero-carbon economy are commendable, a lot more needs to be done.

The mining and metals industry will play an important role in a just energy transition. Despite the environmental and societal impact that mining has had on the country, without the role played by this industry, none of the infrastructure that is necessary to support the transition could have been developed. “South Africa is richly endowed with a number of minerals that are necessary for the energy transition,” she explained. This includes high-quality iron ore that takes much less energy to  transform; PGMs that play a significant role in cleaning the air that we breathe. South Africa also has significant natural resources, such as wind and sunlight, that can used for renewable energy. “If there is one way we can leapfrog some of the challenges the country is experiencing in its energy security, it is certainly to enhance the country’s green energy and renewable opportunities.”

Viljoen believes that South Africa is leading the way in terms of responsible mining and the responsible sourcing of minerals through its ethical supply chains. This builds international confidence that, despite its many other challenges, it can mine responsibly on a global scale.

Exploiting the country’s renewable energy potential will play an important role in reducing carbon emissions. However, collaboration between role players is essential to achieve the desired transition. Furthermore, Viljoen considers the development of capacity and the contribution of tertiary institutions to be important elements in achieving a just energy transition.

Global demand for energy is expected to increase by 40% by 2050. By this time, the international hydrogen market could be worth up to $2.5 trillion, according to the Hydrogen Council. This makes the hydrogen economy an attractive growth opportunity beyond its immediate applications. Although the technology to produce, store and transport hydrogen already exists, most of the 70 million tons of current hydrogen is not green, and is used in oil refinery and ammonia production as a chemical feedstock. “When we think of green energy, we need to look at other alternatives, such as green hydrogen.”

As platinum forms an important component of hydrogen fuel cells due to its catalytic properties, PGMs will play an increasingly important role in the hydrogen economy. Anglo American Platinum is therefore investing in new enabling technologies in pursuit of additional PGM opportunities to promote the PGM industry in South Africa.

The Hydrogen Road Map of South Africa is an important policy framework in the development of a hydrogen economy for the country. It forms an important element of achieving a just and inclusive transition from a fossil fuel-based economy.

“The need for a just transition and the potential of green energy can help drive the country’s second industrialisation. It can secure our energy supply into the future, diversify revenue streams for our economy and create jobs. More than ever, it needs visionary leadership,” concluded Viljoen.

Professor Jan Eloff, acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT (EBIT), commented: “The inspiring lecture delivered by Ms Viljoen propels EBIT’s drive to stay relevant and committed to the challenges of our time.  The Faculty focuses on transdisciplinary research to develop critical mass and synergies at the intersection of its research focus areas, of which energy is one of them.  We will stay on the path of pursuing innovation while delivering future-focused research.”