Eskom kicks off green hydrogen plans

Eskom has issued an invitation for companies to tender for the construction of a pilot renewable green hydrogen facility (RHF) at its Johannesburg Research, Testing and Development (RT&D) unit.

The power utility said that developing renewable green hydrogen production capacity was a key priority for achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in South Africa.

Eskom group CEO Dan Marokane said the pilot was part of the power utility’s differentiated approach to moving from a high-carbon to a low-carbon grid.

“This is about harnessing clean energy for inclusive economic growth,” Marokane said. “We are aggressively seeking creative, technology-led solutions to achieve this.”

“The pilot facility will help our research teams understand hydrogen’s full value chain, from production to use, and ensure we’re ready to play a leading role in the transition responsibly and inclusively.”

Eskom said it recognised the potential of green hydrogen technology as far back as 2020.

The power utility contributed to the development of South Africa’s foremost Hydrogen Society Roadmap strategy in 2021 and subsequent national initiatives like the South African Hydrogen Society Roadmap.

Eskom believes the pilot could contribute directly to informing its decarbonisation strategy and potentially enable renewable energy deployment.

It contends that green hydrogen is an “excellent” medium to long-term energy storage solution.

“Developing a pilot Renewable Hydrogen Facility (RHF) will present Eskom with an informed pathway to plan for the potential adoption of green hydrogen,” Eskom said.

“[It will also] provide an opportunity to understand the legislative requirements and regulations related to renewable hydrogen, and provide internal skills development.

The pilot will serve as an extension of RT&D’s decarbonisation research at its existing 400kW solar PV research pilot facility.

The facility currently includes battery test plants that Eskom said have provided valuable research across the Eskom value chain.

The first step in Eskom’s green hydrogen research plan comes after the power utility signed a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) relating to decarbonisation with Exxaro in April 2025.

The MoU will see the power utility and mining giant collaborate on strategic initiatives, research, and projects in the areas of carbon emissions reduction, air quality, and just transition.

Eskom said it is also accelerating the establishment of a separate renewable energy business.

The power utility recently issued a tender for firms with a proven track record in establishing renewable energy businesses to assist in accelerating its renewable energy deployments.