The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has launched the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, aimed at advancing research and training in green hydrogen technologies, at its Vanderbijlpark campus.
The centre, developed in partnership with Standard Bank, was introduced at a soft launch on March 19. It will focus on research, innovation and collaboration to support South Africa’s energy transition and build capacity in the hydrogen economy.
“This moment speaks to resilience, vision and a shared commitment to innovation,” said Dr Narissa Ramdhani, VUT’s Director of Resource Mobilisation, during the launch. “Universities need centres of excellence like this – nurturing research, driving innovation and equipping future leaders to tackle global challenges.”
The centre will be led by Professor Khaled Abou-El-Hossein, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning within VUT’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology. He said the facility will support “strategic research in alternative energy, contributing to economic growth and workforce development”.
VUT is currently the only African partner in a 13-member European Union hydrogen consortium and is exploring further international collaborations. “German funders have shown interest in Phase 2 of the project,” said Abou-El-Hossein. Potential partnerships are also being discussed with institutions in Chile, England and Japan.
VUT plans to establish at least eight centres of excellence over the next two years, said Simphiwe Nelana, VUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation. “We are leveraging existing infrastructure such as the Science Park in Sebokeng and our research chairs to expand research capacity,” he said.
The centre’s official opening is scheduled for later this year.
