Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Nomalungelo Gina opened a new hydrogen training and refuelling facility on Thursday [1, 2].

The launch marks a strategic step toward decarbonizing transport in South Africa. By integrating prototype testing with active refuelling infrastructure, the government aims to move green hydrogen from theoretical research into practical, scalable application [3].

The event took place at the North-West University Potchefstroom Campus [1, 2]. During the visit, Gina opened the Rapid Prototype Training and Testing Facility and oversaw the handover of a Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station [1, 2, 3].

These facilities are designed to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle technologies [3]. The initiative focuses on accelerating the development of green hydrogen production, and the innovation of necessary components [3]. By providing a dedicated space for system integration, the university can now test how hydrogen components work together in real-world scenarios [3].

The mobile nature of the refuelling station allows for greater flexibility in testing different vehicle types and locations [1, 2]. This infrastructure supports the broader national goal of reducing reliance on fossil fuels by fostering local expertise in hydrogen systems [3].

Gina said the facility will support the development of the green economy. The project emphasizes the intersection of academic research and industrial application to ensure that South Africa remains competitive in the global transition to clean energy [1, 3].

“The launch marks a strategic step toward decarbonizing transport in South Africa.”

The establishment of a mobile refuelling station and prototype facility at a major university signals a shift toward decentralized energy research. By moving hydrogen infrastructure out of static labs and into mobile, testable formats, South Africa is attempting to lower the barrier for automotive manufacturers and engineers to adopt fuel-cell technology, potentially accelerating the transition to a low-carbon transport sector.