S. Africa: “Hyped Hydrogen: Hidden Harm” November 2024

The report Hyped hydrogen – Hidden harm by SOMO, ActionAid Netherlands and MACUA/WAMUA examines the emerging green hydrogen sector from a decolonising perspective. It looks at how the green hydrogen industry is developing in the EU – particularly in the Netherlands – and South Africa. While governments and companies see a positive future for green hydrogen, communities around some mining sites face a very different reality. The communities of Mokopane live beside the Mogalakwena platinum mine, where mining multinational Anglo American is now also planning hydrogen production facilities. These developments risk exacerbating the harmful impacts of the mine that the people of Mokopane have faced for decades.

…As the Global North transitions from fossil fuels, it must commit deeply to economic decolonisation and financial reparations for historical injustices. For the EU to realise a truly just energy transition, its green hydrogen policies must go beyond economic growth and prioritise communities and sustainable practices. This requires reducing energy and resource consumption, centring communities in decision-making, and breaking away from extractive, exploitative models. Only by addressing these key areas can the EU foster a green hydrogen transition that is effective, just, inclusive, and genuinely sustainable.