Following her mission to Mozambique (see EUROPE 13299/10), the European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, visited South Africa on Friday 24 November, to discuss investment opportunities in wind energy production, renewable hydrogen, electricity networks and critical materials.
Concerning clean hydrogen, the Commissioner stated on the social network X that “South Africa has great potential in this area, but also challenges to overcome. We look forward to hearing from the industry and seeing what our options are regarding future opportunities for cooperation”.
This discussion is taking place during European Hydrogen Week (see other news).
The Commissioner also met the South African Minister for Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, and discussed South Africa’s efforts to implement its Just Transition Programme and move towards a cleaner energy system.
Furthermore, in the run-up to COP28, the EU is encouraging countries to sign up to global targets aimed at tripling installed renewable energy capacity and doubling the improvement rate in energy efficiency by 2030. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)