Parliament, Sunday, 2 August 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Lusizo Makhubela, has described the unveiling of the 2 kW PEM electrolyser on Friday in Sasolburg as an important milestone in South Africa’s journey towards building a globally competitive, knowledge-based economy.
She said the partnership between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Sasol, the South African National Energy Development Institute and the HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence at North-West University demonstrates what can be achieved when government, industry and academia work together towards a common national objective.
The unveiling of the 2 kW PEM electrolyser took place yesterday at the Sasol One Site in Sasolburg, South Africa. Ms Makhubela said the unveiling of the electrolyser is more than a technological achievement. It is evidence of South Africa’s growing capacity to develop indigenous technologies, strengthen local innovation systems and position our country as a leader in the emerging hydrogen economy.
She said the committee has consistently advocated for greater investment in research, innovation and technology commercialisation. Scientific discoveries must not remain confined to laboratories – they must be translated into solutions that create jobs, strengthen our industries and improve the quality of life of South Africans.
Hydrogen technologies present South Africa with a strategic opportunity. South Africa possesses world-class scientific expertise, abundant renewable energy resources and significant platinum group metal reserves, placing us in a strong position to become a global leader in green hydrogen technologies and fuel cell innovation.
Projects such as this electrolyser contribute to building local technical capabilities, supporting industrial localisation, developing critical skills and opening new opportunities for entrepreneurs, researchers and young scientists. They also reinforce our commitment to a just energy transition that is driven by innovation, sustainability and inclusive economic growth.
Ms Makhubela said the committee welcomed this collaboration because it reflects the National System of Innovation at its best – bringing together public institutions, higher education and the private sector to solve national challenges and unlock future economic opportunities.
The launch also demonstrated the value of sustained public investment in research and development. The intellectual property underpinning this facility was developed through public funding, illustrating how government investment, when combined with strong partnerships between universities, public research institutions and industry, can generate technologies with real commercial and societal value.
Ms Makhubela said Parliament remains committed to providing oversight that strengthens investment in science, technology and innovation. She said the committee will continue to support policies and programmes that enable research excellence, encourage technology transfer and ensure that innovation delivers tangible benefits for all South Africans.
She congratulated the department, Sasol, North-West University, the South African National Energy Development Institute and every scientist, engineer, researcher and technician whose dedication has made this achievement possible. The launch of this locally developed PEM electrolyser is more than a scientific achievement. This work demonstrates that South Africa has the talent, capability and determination to build globally competitive technologies and compete at the highest levels of scientific and technological innovation.
Ms Makhubela called on all the role-players to continue investing in innovation, building partnerships and creating a future where science and technology drive inclusive growth, industrial development and shared prosperity.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLGY AND INNOVATION, MS LUSIZO MAKHUBELA.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the Media Officer:
Name: Alicestine October
Cell: 083 665 4345
E-mail: aoctober@parliament.gov.za
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