On Friday, Sasol said it was partnering with Japan’s Itochu Corporation to explore the development of green hydrogen and green ammonia projects for shipping fuel and power generation. Sasol, a global chemicals and energy company, is the world’s biggest producer of fuel products and chemicals from coal, but is transitioning away from the fossil fuel as part of its decarbonisation plan.

Green hydrogen, produced from splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, has been touted as a key carbon-free energy source for power generation, shipping fuel and fertiliser manufacturing.

Sasol said green ammonia, produced from green hydrogen, was also a crucial enabler of net-zero fertiliser manufacturing, and could be used as a zero-carbon bunkering fuel in the marine sector and for co-firing in thermal power generation.

“Green ammonia is an excellent energy carrier, especially over long distances, and can be easily transported,” it added. “The product can also be ‘cracked’ back to hydrogen gas for further applications.”

The two signed a memorandum of understanding during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Tunisia last month. Japanese conglomerate Itochu had been exploring the development of green hydrogen as a fuel in the marine sector and for power generation, Sasol said.

“This marks yet another milestone in our ambition to lead the energy transition in South Africa through decarbonisation, while stimulating industrial development,” said Priscillah Mabelane, Sasol’s executive vice-president for energy. – Reuters

SOURCE:

Sasol partners with Japanese firm to develop green hydrogen projects | Citypress (news24.com)