West Coast Green Hydrogen Master Plan

West Coast Green Hydrogen Master Plan

Phase 1 of the West Coast Green Hydrogen Master Plan

The West Coast region, anchored by Saldanha Bay, has emerged as a strategic hub for South Africa’s green hydrogen (GH₂) and Power-to-X (PtX) economy. Its combination of strong renewable energy potential established industrial capacity, and port and logistics infrastructure, supported by the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), positions the region for large-scale, cost-competitive hydrogen production and export. This development aligns with national ambitions and global initiatives aimed at advancing low-carbon industrial transitions.

Realising this opportunity requires significant investment in energy, water, production, and logistics infrastructure. Given the scale and pace envisaged, a comprehensive and coordinated planning approach is essential to manage potential cumulative environmental, social, and resource impacts.

Phase 1 of the Master Plan, initiated in March 2025, undertook a high-level, data-driven analytical review of infrastructure and land use, transport and distribution systems, and socio-ecological considerations. The process was informed by stakeholder engagement and scenario-based analysis, drawing on representative large-scale project archetypes to assess potential development pathways and cumulative impacts. 

The findings highlight both strong potential and key constraints. While the region offers favourable renewable energy resources and existing infrastructure, challenges include limited availability of suitable industrial land, environmental sensitivities, constrained grid capacity, and the need for greater regulatory clarity across the hydrogen value chain. The analysis also underscored the importance of aligning national ambitions with local planning frameworks and development realities. 

Overall, Phase 1 established a critical evidence base by identifying key uncertainties, risks, and system-level considerations, providing a foundation for subsequent phases focused on detailed planning, coordination, and implementation of the West Coast Green Hydrogen Hub.