Hydrogen power drives rural inclusion

by TINTSWALO BALOYI 
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Africa is accelerating a bold energy and technology agenda aimed at ensuring that no citizen—especially those in remote rural communities—is excluded from the digital economy.

Speaking at the high-level Africa Telecoms Executive Roundtable 2026, jointly hosted by CAJ News Africa and CAJ Global, Mandy Mlilo outlined how hydrogen innovation is central to this vision.

Mlilo, Acting Chief Director for Hydrogen and Energy at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, emphasised that energy is the backbone of inclusive growth.

“Energy is an engine that catalyses any economy across different sectors,” she said, warning that without embedding energy solutions into digital infrastructure strategies, “you are limiting the full realisation” of connectivity initiatives.

At the heart of government efforts is the Hydrogen South Africa programme, launched in 2007 to develop and deploy hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

Mlilo described it as a long-term investment in national capability: “We have been investing in building the research, development and innovation capability of South Africa to roll out hydrogen fuel cell systems, especially targeting remote areas.”

These systems offer a transformative solution for underserved regions.

Unlike conventional generators, hydrogen fuel cells are quiet and environmentally friendly.

“The fuel cell systems are very quiet when deployed, and the by-products are energy and clean, safe water,” Mlilo noted.

This makes them particularly suitable for powering telecommunications infrastructure in rural landscapes, where noise and pollution can be disruptive.

The government’s strategy is anchored in a network of research institutions working collaboratively to localise innovation.

These include centres hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and North-West University, focusing on hydrogen production, storage and distribution.

Additional programmes at the University of Cape Town, Mintek and the University of the Western Cape are advancing fuel cell components, catalysts and storage technologies.

By consolidating these capabilities, South Africa is positioning itself as a global player in hydrogen innovation while ensuring that locally developed, publicly funded intellectual property benefits its citizens.

“When you draw these capabilities together, you are able to deploy locally developed systems to service remote areas,” Mlilo explained.

Crucially, the initiative is not only about technology but also economic inclusion.

Expanding energy access enables digital connectivity, which in turn unlocks education, healthcare and business opportunities in rural communities.

Hydrogen energy, with its scalability and sustainability, is seen as a key enabler of this transition.

Mlilo highlighted immediate opportunities for collaboration between government and industry.

“The rollout of mobile fuel cell systems for remote telecoms infrastructure is an immediate opportunity,” she said, adding that success depends on partnerships.

“Government cannot drive it alone; telecoms industry players need to come on board to mobilise resources at scale.”

Hydrogen energy is increasingly recognised worldwide as a clean alternative to fossil fuels, capable of storing and delivering energy efficiently with minimal environmental impact.

For South Africa, it also represents a pathway to industrialisation, job creation and export competitiveness.

As the country advances its hydrogen agenda, the message from policymakers is clear: energy innovation must serve all citizens.

By integrating cutting-edge technology with inclusive policy, South Africa aims to ensure that even the most remote communities are not left behind in the digital age.

– CAJ News