Standard Bank and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) have launched the Standard Bank Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen Energy – a facility aimed at advancing South Africa’s hydrogen research and innovation capacity.
The centre will focus on developing skills, technology and research partnerships to support the growth of South Africa’s emerging green hydrogen sector. With support from Standard Bank, VUT has become the only African member of a 13-partner European hydrogen innovation consortium, positioning the country within a global network of clean energy research.
“Hydrogen energy is one of the most exciting frontiers in South Africa’s journey to a sustainable future,” said Simone Cooper, Head of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank South Africa. “By investing in this centre, we aim to unlock the potential of research, academia and finance working together to solve pressing energy challenges.”
The centre has already attracted interest from international stakeholders in Europe, Asia and Latin America.
