MEDIA STATEMENT BY
DEPUTY MINISTER OF ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY, ALEXANDRA ABRAHAMS
TO ALL MEDIA AND NEWS EDITORS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday 13 August 2026
DEPUTY MINISTER ABRAHAMS LEADS ENGAGEMENT WITH MAJOR GREEN HYDROGEN DEVELOPER
Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Alexandra Abrahams, met on Monday with the management of the Phelan Green Group, who are on track to be among the first to deliver a first private sector green hydrogen plant in South Africa.
The engagement focused on government’s role in enabling the private sector to get this fledgling industry off the ground and explored potential areas where government could provide support through ease of doing business interventions.
Deputy Minister Abrahams said, “We must ensure that government is making it as easy as possible for investors to get projects in the green hydrogen industry going. Today’s engagement made clear the potential that this industry holds for job creation in South Africa, and it is a unique opportunity that must not be missed. Across all levels of government, the regulatory system must work to the benefit of the people.”
As countries accelerate efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonise energy-intensive industries and transition towards cleaner energy systems, South Africa is well positioned to become a major green hydrogen production hub. Green hydrogen development holds the key to unlocking massive employment opportunities for South Africa.
Deputy Minister Abrahams said South Africa should use major energy investments to develop domestic capabilities alongside new generation and production capacity, “Green hydrogen is an emerging industry, which gives us an opportunity to develop the skills pipeline from the outset. We want South Africans, particularly young people in communities surrounding these projects, to acquire the technical skills that will allow them to participate in this new industry.”
Deputy Minister Abrahams concluded, “Our focus is on expanding access to electricity and driving down the cost of energy for households and businesses. Enabling investment in new energy projects can bring additional generation onto the system, strengthen competition and support a more efficient energy market. As government we are creating the conditions for these investments to proceed while ensuring that environmental and community interests are properly addressed. Ultimately, our work must contribute towards a more affordable, secure and sustainable energy system that delivers tangible benefits for South African households and businesses.”
MEDIA ENQUIRES:
Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams, DeputyAlex@dee.gov.za or +27 83 261 8788
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA