A request for proposal (RFP) process has been launched to inform the front-end engineering design (FEED) study for a fully integrated green hydrogen project at the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), in the Eastern Cape.

Green Hydrogen Solutions (GHS), through its project company GHS Green Hydrogen ELIDZ, is seeking input from leading equipment suppliers for the project. Distinguished by its closed-loop system design, the project will use desalinated seawater to produce high-purity green hydrogen for industrial and commercial customers.

The project will encompass the complete green hydrogen value chain. Proven desalination technology will be used to treat seawater to produce water suitable for electrolysis, while surplus water will be supplied to commercial customers. Electrolysers (10 MW) powered by renewable-energy sources will be used to split desalinated water into green hydrogen and oxygen. Infrastructure will be installed to compress, store and deliver the green hydrogen reliably to identified offtakers.

This RFP invites potential suppliers of key technologies and equipment to provide information that will inform the FEED study. Areas of interest include seawater desalination systems, electrolyser technologies, hydrogen compression solutions, hydrogen storage systems, hydrogen distribution equipment and related balance-of-plant components and control systems.

A key innovation lies in the project's commitment to circularity and minimal environmental impact. The first phase of hydrogen transportation to customers will be enabled by integrated hydrogen internal combustion engine and fuel cell trucks (as they become available). The brine concentrate resulting from the desalination process, often considered a waste stream, will be directly supplied to a partnered sodium-ion battery research and development project. The only emission from the core hydrogen plant will be some oxygen, which will be vented safely into the atmosphere.

"To lower the cost of green hydrogen compared with competing alternatives and ensure the success of green hydrogen projects, a novel approach is required to enable integrated systems that reduce carbon emissions while supporting fuel switching," says GHS CEO and project developer Ebrahim Takolia.

The project will, using a GHS machine learning (ML) model, decrease the price of the green hydrogen it produces by forecasting electricity production and predicting price fluctuations in the day-ahead and other electricity trading markets.

Ultimately, green hydrogen’s biggest price determinant is the cost of renewable electricity, and the ML model will optimise the use of low-priced electricity while simultaneously improving electrolyser use rates.

“This project will also demonstrate how integrated, circular systems can create value while reducing environmental impact,” adds Takolia.

The green hydrogen produced will support the decarbonisation efforts of various sectors in proximity to the hydrogen production plant, enabling industrial players to remain globally competitive as the world moves to adopt carbon border adjustment mechanisms that will price carbon into production costs.

"We are seeking partners with proven expertise and cutting-edge equipment to help us to realise the potential of this unique closed-loop green hydrogen project. The information gathered through this RFP will be crucial in shaping a robust and efficient FEED study.

“GHS is committed to advancing the green hydrogen economy and demonstrating the potential for innovative, sustainable energy solutions. This project marks a significant step towards a cleaner energy future,” concludes Takolia.

RFP details: details of the RFP can be found at https://greenh2s.com/elidz-project, together with a form to be filled by interested OEMs. 

Contact: Ebrahim Takolia, et@greenh2s.com, +27823043133