Japan To Help South Africa Decarbonize Industries

South Africa and Japan are set to sign a deal that will help the southern African country decarbonize industries including steel, cement, and aviation.

Blade Nzimande, who serves as the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, led the South African delegation to Japan and disclosed on Monday that the memorandum of cooperation is expected to be signed between South Africa's Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Japan's Minister Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) department.

"Establishing a manufacturing sector for hydrogen products and components is one of the roadmap's key outcomes," the South African department said, SA News reported.

The engagement between DSI and METI began on Monday during the Tokyo GX Week Plenary Session, which was hosted by Japan's METI, Yasutoshi Nishimura.

According to DSI, Tokyo GX Week aims to hold international meetings related to energy and the environment to ensure that green transformation (GX) is achieved.

The program will help to move "countries away from fossil fuel-dependent economic, social and industrial structures, towards clean energy that will lead to economic growth and development, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions."

During the Tokyo GX Week, Minister Nzimande will address the 6th Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, which will be attended by several ministers and world leaders in the field of energy and environment - from both private and public sectors.

"Minister Nzimande and Mr Nishimura are expected to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the DSI and METI to facilitate cooperation on developing a sustainable and affordable hydrogen and ammonia supply chain," the department noted.

It added, "The two countries have a shared recognition that this is key to achieving net zero emissions."

South Africa has shared a longstanding relationship and common interests in science, technology, and innovation (STI) with Japan since 2003.

Aside from South Africa, many other leaders from several countries participated in the event.

UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate, and Special Envoy of the UAE to Japan, Sultan Al Jaber also attended the event to discuss the removal of 22 gigatons in emissions by 2030.

Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, Melis Turgunbaev also took part in the Tokyo GX Week. Whereas, U.K. Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom also appreciated Japan's green energy transition.

The Tokyo GX Week will also consist of the Third Asia CCUS Network Forum, the Fifth International Conference on Carbon Recycling, the Third International Conference on Fuel Ammonia, the GGX x TCFD Summit, the Tenth ICEF, and the Fifth RD20 (Leaders Session).