Study: PtX business opportunities in South Africa – market potential & value chain analysis

This study identifies the most attractive business opportunities across the emerging green hydrogen (GH2) and Power-to-X value chains in South Africa. It includes an analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) for the identified business opportunities and formulates market entry recommendations for local enterprises. The study also lays out the knowledge and skills required for the emerging GH2 market and suggests what measures would be required to support companies and research institutes to participate in those future markets. The study also gives recommendations as short- and medium-term actions to encourage industry players and research institutes to leverage South Africa's potentials.

The PtX market potentials quantifies opportunities in five prioritised applications: ammonia for export, ammonia for green fertiliser production, green steel production, methanol for bunker fuels, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The following priority business opportunities have been identified: expansion of platinum group minerals (PGM) mining; manufacturing of electrolysers and fuel cells; renewable energy infrastructure development and operation; energy storage to ensure continuous operations during non-/low availability of renewables; desalination plant development; GH2 production; GH2 storage; GH2 beneficiation; GH2/PtX transportation, handling and retail; cross-cutting opportunities, including advisory and support functions, financing and research and development.