South Africa is staking its claim at the front of Africa’s green hydrogen revolution, with the pioneering Prieska Power Reserve in the Northern Cape set to begin producing green hydrogen and green ammonia in 2026.
The project places the country among the continent’s early leaders as Africa positions itself to become a global supplier of low-carbon fuels.
Prieska set to power up in 2026
The Prieska Power Reserve is on track to start producing green hydrogen and green ammonia in 2026, marking a significant milestone for South Africa’s emerging low-carbon energy sector.
According to Energy Capital & Power, the first phase of the project is expected to produce 72,000 tonnes of green ammonia per year.
What sets the development apart is the scale of renewable energy behind it. The reserve is powered by 180 MW of solar, 130 MW of onshore wind and 129.4 MWh of battery storage, an integrated mix designed to keep production running on clean power.
South Africa among the continent’s front-runners
South Africa is not alone in chasing the opportunity, but it is firmly in the leading group. Alongside Namibia and Mauritania, the country is emerging as one of Africa’s early leaders in green hydrogen.
The momentum reflects a broader continental push. Africa now hosts 78 proposed green hydrogen projects, representing about $194 billion in planned investment, according to a January 2026 industry report.
That pipeline signals growing confidence that the continent’s abundant solar and wind resources can be harnessed to produce fuels for both domestic use and export markets.
A foundation for Africa’s clean fuel ambitions
Green hydrogen and green ammonia are produced using renewable electricity, offering a low-carbon alternative to fossil-fuel-derived equivalents. For a continent rich in sun and wind, the appeal is clear.
The Green Hydrogen Organisation lists South Africa among the countries building out this new industry, underscoring the role projects like Prieska could play in establishing the country as a reliable producer.
With construction-stage projects advancing toward production and a substantial investment pipeline taking shape across the continent, the year ahead is shaping up to be a defining one. As the Prieska Power Reserve prepares to power up, South Africa is positioning itself to help lead Africa’s entry into the global green hydrogen market.
Photo: energycapitalpower.com
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