Sasol and CHIETA Launch Revolutionary Green Hydrogen Training System to Boost South Africa’s Clean Energy Future

South Africa has taken a significant step forward in developing its green hydrogen capabilities with the launch of an innovative training system through a strategic partnership between the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority and energy giant Sasol. The initiative represents a major milestone in preparing the country’s workforce for the emerging green hydrogen economy.

The partnership which began in April 2024 has culminated in the implementation of a cutting-edge Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Training System at Sasol’s headquarters in Sasolburg. CHIETA received approval for R1.8 million in funding in 2025 to enable the project’s implementation marking what CEO Yershen Pillay called execution at speed.

The training programme was developed in collaboration with global fuel cell education specialist Heliocentris and features a working 50W hydrogen fuel cell system that allows learners to gain hands-on experience with the technology. The system provides practical real-time experimentation opportunities and includes training in solar photovoltaic systems and hydrogen fundamentals integrating it within the broader renewable energy ecosystem.

This initiative addresses critical industry needs including stringent safety requirements and the integration of hydrogen technologies into existing disciplines such as electrical engineering. Sasol which is positioning itself as a fast follower in the global hydrogen economy emphasized the importance of aligning skills development with evolving market demands.

The project highlights the essential role of public-private partnerships in accelerating South Africa’s readiness for the energy transition. As Pillay noted the program reflects a practical approach stating that in the green hydrogen economy no skills means no transition.

South Africa has ambitious targets for green hydrogen development with the government aiming to deploy 10GW of electrolysis capacity in the Northern Cape region by 2030 and 15GW by 2040. The country also aims to produce 500000 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen by 2030 according to the Hydrogen Society Roadmap.

The training system comes as South Africa seeks to leverage its abundant renewable energy potential and position itself as a global green hydrogen hub. Sasol already operates a green hydrogen pilot project in Sasolburg that began operations in August 2023 and can produce up to 5 tonnes per day of green hydrogen using electricity from a 3MW solar facility.

The skills development initiative is part of broader efforts by CHIETA which has established a green hydrogen centre of specialisation at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Pretoria in partnership with other training authorities. The organization has identified approximately 178 key skills and competencies needed for the hydrogen economy with 17 specific areas requiring development including gas engineers hydrogen systems engineers and hydrogen technicians.

With global investment in green hydrogen gaining momentum this initiative positions South Africa not only as a participant in the emerging market but as a developer of the skilled workforce needed to sustain and grow the sector. The program demonstrates how strategic partnerships between industry and education authorities can drive the country’s transition to clean energy while creating employment opportunities in a rapidly evolving sector.