A study led by Ricardo and the Environmental Defence Fund (EDF) has found out that South Africa has a massive potential to supply zero-carbon shipping fuels to the global shipping industry with zero-carbon fuels through green hydrogen.
The production of fuel derived from green hydrogen can help meet the decarbonisation target and also act as a catalyst to help the country’s economy by opening new export markets, supporting an equitable transition, and creating jobs. The study has also explored the economic and environmental impact of the implementation of zero-carbon shipping fuels through the shipping sector of South Africa.
Studies and reports have shown that the shipping industry is on the verge of an energy revolution. Experts have also predicted that within this decade, the shipping industry must begin to replace traditional heavy bunker fuel with new zero-carbon shipping fuels to meet the decarbonisation target. South Africa is a country blessed with vast renewable energy sources and is committed to reaching the target of net zero emissions by 2050.
Aoife O’Leary, Director, International Climate, Environmental Defense Fund told the media, “Our study shows that South Africa has an abundance of renewable energy potential. It is enough to supply the country’s domestic electrical demand as well as the production of zero-carbon fuels to supply commercial vessels refuelling in its international ports. The adoption of zero-carbon propulsion technologies at South Africa’s ports could attract investment of between 122 and 175 billion Rand in onshore infrastructure by 2030. All that is needed to unlock this investment is the right policy incentives set at the International Maritime Organisation.”
Experts have also predicted that the adoption of zero-carbon shipping fuels depends on global market requirements and in order to successfully adopt this approach, South Africa should venture globally. One way to do it is the shipping vessels adopting zero-carbon fuels bunkering in various ports around the world.