Green Hydrogen South Africa (GHSA), with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has developed a community development toolkit (CDTK) to support project developers in effectively engaging with local communities.

The CDTK will be piloted in June. Project developers who are interested in piloting the toolkit have been encouraged to submit their applications here before May 15.

This comprehensive resource will assist project developers to establish robust and mutually beneficial relationships with host communities. By adapting best practices from established sectors such as mining and energy to the unique needs of the green hydrogen industry, the toolkit aims to ensure accessibility, inclusivity and practicality.

The primary goal of the CDTK is to assist project developers in incorporating community development in their planning process from an early stage, and to effectively engage with communities throughout the project’s lifecycle.

The belief is that this would ensure an open and ongoing dialogue with communities, who should be seen as active stakeholders and beneficiaries of green hydrogen projects. The toolkit will provide project developers with practical guidance and essential resources to facilitate a comprehensive and cohesive approach to community engagement.

GHSA and the GIZ say that, in pursuit of job creation and economic development, all stakeholders, including industry players and host communities, must derive mutual benefits from the South African green hydrogen economy.

To achieve this, green hydrogen projects must secure and uphold a social licence to operate, thereby fostering shared success.

Many ongoing green hydrogen projects are currently in the prefeasibility or feasibility phases. The developers of these projects can now receive support and guidance on integrating community development into their plans from the outset.

At several recent events held in Gqeberha, Johannesburg and Cape Town, green hydrogen project developers had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the CDTK in preparation for the upcoming pilot phase.

Further information on the toolkit can be found here, while a short video is available here.