Morocco and South Africa – Expanding Hydrogen R&D to Enhance Local IP and Industry

South Africa and Morocco are increasing their investments in hydrogen research and development, aiming to become important players in the growing hydrogen industry.

In South Africa, the Vaal University of Technology recently opened a Center of Excellence for Hydrogen Energy, supported by Standard Bank. This is part of the country’s long-term Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) program. Since 2008, HySA has focused on creating local patents, training skilled workers, and making fuel cell products. The new center will be a place for research, partnerships between government and businesses, and turning ideas into real products.

In Morocco, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is leading green hydrogen projects by working with international companies like Oort Energy and Chariot. Together, they started a 1 MW solar-powered electrolyzer project in the UK, developed with UM6P. Also, a partnership between OCP and Australia’s Fortescue plans to produce and sell green hydrogen, ammonia, and fertilizers, with a special research center at UM6P.

Both countries want to reduce their dependence on imported technology by developing local patents, skills, and industries using their natural resources. If successful, South Africa and Morocco could become major hydrogen producers and exporters of technology and knowledge across Africa and beyond.

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