The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has launched two environmental planning tools expected to streamline project approvals and support infrastructure planning.

The first is an environmental impact assessment guideline offering a structured framework for assessing environmental impacts and reducing delays in project approval processes. Titled “Managing the impacts of a green hydrogen/power-to-X economy: An environmental impact assessment guideline for South Africa”, this instructional manual offers practical guidance for assessment practitioners, project developers, decision-makers and other stakeholders involved in planning and environmental authorisation processes for complex green hydrogen systems.

The second is the South African Green Hydrogen Potential Atlas – a digital tool that evaluates environmental variables, infrastructure access and potential shared resources through advanced geospatial analysis to identify areas most suitable for green hydrogen production.

The mechanisms have been developed in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and GFA Consulting Group. The work builds on a body of research that includes feasibility studies on green ammonia and methanol, life cycle assessments and a comprehensive guide for project developers. “Green hydrogen projects are novel and highly complex. These tools are designed to support industry, government and civil society in integrating environmental and social considerations into project planning and decision-making,” says Paul Lochner, Environmental Management Services Group Leader at the CSIR.