NWU and HySA Infrastructure Advance Hydrogen Innovation with New Electrolysis Testing Stations
- Karen Scheepers
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Infrastructure, has expanded its role in advancing the hydrogen economy with the launch of new water electrolysis testing stations and cutting-edge research facilities. The initiative is part of South Africa’s broader strategy to drive clean energy development and position the country as a leader in green hydrogen innovation.
Expanding Research and Development Capacity
HySA Infrastructure, co-hosted by NWU and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), recently completed a rapid prototyping, training, and testing facility for hydrogen technologies at NWU. The facility provides advanced platforms for research, skills development, and the testing of locally designed electrolysis systems and electrolyser stack platforms.
The programme has made progress across several technical fields, including high-power-density electrolysis systems, locally adapted hydrogen refuelling protocols, and advanced hydrogen safety solutions. Additional work has focused on diagnostic and characterisation methods to optimise system performance.
Hydrogen Valleys and Local Development
In line with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030, HySA has proposed the creation of “mini hydrogen valleys.” These would function as regional clusters that integrate hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and end-use applications across multiple sectors such as mobility, industry, and energy.
The initiative would be the first of its kind on the African continent and could serve as a model for scaling hydrogen solutions from demonstration projects to industrial applications.
Strategic Partnerships
NWU and HySA Infrastructure collaborate with a wide network of partners both locally and internationally. Partnerships with organisations such as Sasol, Eskom, and Toyota South Africa Motors are central to developing technologies in water electrolysis, green ammonia, hydrogen storage, and hydrogen refuelling systems.
Through these collaborations, South Africa is able to align local innovation with international advances, while also leveraging the country’s mineral resources, particularly platinum-group metals, in high-value energy technologies.
Addressing Energy and Infrastructure Challenges
South Africa’s diverse energy landscape requires flexible solutions. HySA projects are aimed at providing alternatives for energy storage, remote power supply, and industrial applications, addressing both grid saturation and lack of grid access in different regions.
Hydrogen integration also promotes mineral beneficiation, ensuring that iridium and platinum are incorporated into advanced technological systems instead of being exported as raw materials.
Human Capacity and Innovation
In addition to technical development, NWU and HySA Infrastructure are focused on human capacity building. Training programmes for young scientists and engineers are designed to equip the next generation with the skills needed to support the hydrogen economy. Intellectual property development remains a key priority, with South African-designed catalyst-coated membranes for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis already showing performance at international standards.
Other locally developed innovations, such as flexible electrolysis test stations and liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) safety systems, have attracted international recognition.
Green Hydrogen Outlook
Green hydrogen is widely regarded as a central element in decarbonisation strategies, though cost and infrastructure barriers remain. By focusing on cost-reduction innovations in production, storage, and application, NWU and HySA Infrastructure aim to improve competitiveness and accelerate local adoption.
Comments