There is a fantastic opportunity for South Africa to produce zero carbon fuels for adoption by the South African shipping sector, and export to other markets. South Africa has the natural resources, geography, and prominence on important shipping trade routes to take advantage of this opportunity, and this in turn can help South Africa achieve its decarbonisation goals and catalyse a low carbon economy. There is the potential to create a wide range of jobs within the supply chains of zero carbon fuels, which can support South Africa’s just and equitable transition as jobs in coal mining and coal-based electricity generation decrease.
There are several zero and low carbon fuels with potential to be used in shipping:
The zero and low carbon fuel options available for adoption by the maritime industry include green and blue hydrogen, green and blue ammonia, green methanol, biofuels and battery power. This study investigates the most suitable propulsion solutions for different commercial vessels based on a number of criteria. It has identified that the most suitable options are hydrogen and ammonia for large commercial vessels such as tankers, containers and bulk carriers; small vessels such as port service vessels can be supplied through direct electrification and onboard electrification. The abundance of renewable energy resource in South Africa means that shipping fuels can be derived from renewable electricity generation.
It’s safe to use zero carbon shipping fuels with proper regulations and training:
Some have raised concerns regarding the health, safety and environmental risks of zero carbon fuels. Rightly so, these risks do need to be mitigated and managed properly. This challenge will need to be addressed by the industry moving forward, since the fuels could otherwise be harmful for both people and the environment. However, this should not be seen as a major barrier for adoption of these fuels. Currently used fuels are also harmful and pose risks, yet the codes, best practices and standards that have been developed over years of expertise have allowed us to use them widely and safely in a variety of applications, environments, and conditions. The same can be done for hydrogen and ammonia.
Development of zero carbon fuels infrastructure to serve South Africa’s shipping sector could attract investment of between 34.3 and 49.2 billion Rand in onshore infrastructure by 2030.
South Africa: fuelling the future of shipping.
South Africa’s role in the transformation
of global shipping through green
hydrogen-derived fuels: by B Ricardo
https://lnkd.in/dpJ_jQ-F