Updated May 19, 2026 – Coega Green Ammonia Project in South Africa has selected Danish technology company Topsoe as supplier of electrolyser cell technology and related process equipment under a deal valued at approximately US$1 billion. The agreement is one of the Africa’s largest clean hydrogen technology awards to date and pushes the Eastern Cape-based project closer to Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), scheduled to begin in Q3 2026.

Coega Green Ammonia Project

Coega Green Ammonia Project is being developed by Hive Hydrogen South Africa, a joint venture between UK-based Hive Energy and South African infrastructure firm BuiltAfrica.

The plant is located within the Coega Special Economic Zone near the Port of Ngqura on South Africa’s east coast. Hive Hydrogen’s US$5.8 billion development aims to produce approximately 1 million metric tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2030 for export into European and Asian markets.

US$1bn Technology Deal with Topsoe

Topsoe’s appointment is significant because its ammonia synthesis and electrolyser technologies are expected to reduce renewable energy capital expenditure by over €500 million, according to project developers.

The technology package will support the plant’s integrated hydrogen-to-ammonia process chain. It will help improve efficiency and lower levelized production costs. This is critical as African developers compete with projects in Namibia, Morocco, and Egypt for long-term offtake agreements.

South Africa’s Emerging Hydrogen Economy

Coega is positioned as one of the world’s largest green ammonia facilities and a cornerstone of South Africa’s emerging hydrogen economy. It will be powered by a large renewable energy portfolio including a 1,430 MW solar PV cluster and two wind energy clusters totaling nearly 1,880 MW. Additionally, a dedicated desalination plant will supply process water, while export logistics will leverage existing port infrastructure at Ngqura.

With FEED targeted for Q3 2026 and Final Investment Decision (FID) expected by Q3 2027, Coega Green Ammonia Project is now entering its final development stage. Commercial operations are currently projected for late 2029 or 2030, depending on permitting, financing closure, and procurement milestones.

Regional Impact

Topsoe’s award for electrolyser technology supply to Coega comes as South Africa accelerates efforts to establish itself as a global supplier of green hydrogen derivatives. The country’s strong solar and wind resources, industrial infrastructure, and export ports also make it a natural contender in the race to serve decarbonizing industries in Europe and Asia.

Green ammonia is increasingly viewed as a practical hydrogen carrier because it is easier to transport than pure hydrogen and can be used directly in fertilizers, chemicals, shipping fuels, and power applications. Coega’s export-oriented model also aligns with European Union demand growth under renewable fuels targets and industrial decarbonization mandates.

For South Africa, the project also supports economic diversification in the Eastern Cape while advancing energy transition objectives beyond its coal-heavy electricity system. Coega’s milestone was reached as other parallel investments continue to take shape in South Africa including the US$1.7 billion Suiso Coal-to-Fertiliser and Methanol Project in Mpumalanga.

Coega Green Ammonia Project Fact Sheet

Location: Coega SEZ in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Developer: Hive Hydrogen South Africa

Owners: Hive Energy with 75% stake, BuiltAfrica with 25%

Technology provider: Topsoe

Electrolyser capacity: Approx. 1.1-1.2 GW

Solar capacity: 1,430 MW

Wind capacity: 1,880 MW

Water source: Dedicated desalination infrastructure

Annual production target: 1 million tonnes green ammonia

Target markets: Europe and Asia

Planned operations: 2029-2030

Project Cost

Estimated project cost: US$5.8 billion

Technology package value (Topsoe): US$1 billion

Funding support: Development funding from SA-H2 Fund

Revenue model: Export sales of green ammonia under long-term offtake contracts

Expected output: 1 million tonnes per annum of green ammonia

Project Development Timeline

2020: Early project concept development begins

2023: Project gains momentum through partnerships and hydrogen market positioning

2024: Environmental and permitting processes advanced

June 2025: 1,430 MW solar cluster receives full approvals

July 2025: EPC RFPs issued to shortlisted contractors

May 2026: Topsoe selected for US$1bn technology package

Q3 2026: FEED expected to commence

Q3 2027: FID targeted

Late 2029 to 2030: Commercial operations expected

Project Developer, Partners and Stakeholders

Developer: Hive Hydrogen South Africa

Technology: Topsoe for electrolyser and ammonia technology

Renewable Energy Supply: Crossroads Green Energy for solar power supply

Funding Partners: SA-H2 Fund

Logistics: Transnet National Ports Authority, Coega Development Corporation

Hive Hydrogen’s $5.8 Billion Green Hydrogen Project in Coega, South Africa

Reported July 8, 2025 – South African-based Hive Hydrogen has officially launched plans for a $5.8 billion South Africa’s .green hydrogen project in Coega. The scope of implementation entails a green hydrogen and ammonia project in the Eastern Cape. This marks a major step forward in the country’s renewable energy ambitions. The company is a joint venture between UK-based Hive Energy Ltd. And South Africa’s BuiltAfrica Group.

The developer also noted that it has shortlisted 15 engineering firms to submit proposals for the project. This comes after receiving expressions of interest from 48 companies earlier this year. The planned facility will be based in the Coega Special Economic Zone near Gqeberha. It is expected to produce over 1 million tonnes of green ammonia annually. Additionally, commercial operations are targeted for 2029.

A final investment decision (FID) is anticipated in the third quarter of 2026. The project is also a major leap forward in Africa’s green ammonia production as North Africa’s Mauritania launches one of Africa’s largest green ammonia project near Nouakchott, a $1.5 billion project. 

The Hive Hydrogen’s Coega Green Ammonia Project will be powered by the 1GW Carissa Wind Energy Facility which is the largest of its kind in South Africa.

Also read: South Africa’s first self-build Main Transmission Substation by an Independent Power Producer

Scope of Implementation on South Africa’s Green Hydrogen Project

The implementation of South Africa’s green hydrogen project aims to facilitate its vast wind and solar resources. Green ammonia is gaining interest across the African continent as a cleaner fuel alternative for heavy industry and shipping. Based on the nation’s wind and solar resources, South Africa has a strategic edge in the global race to lead green hydrogen production. The project is also part of the country’s broader push to diversify its energy exports and reduce reliance on carbon-intensive fuels. Although the project has been embraced as promising, challenges still remain.

Firstly, critics question whether production costs can be lowered enough to compete with conventional fuels. Despite this, Hive Hydrogen remains confident that global demand, particularly from Japan and South Korea. They expect that this will support long-term viability. The Coega project is poised to be a cornerstone of South Africa’s clean energy transition. Moreover, it will potentially unlock thousands of jobs, new trade routes, and major foreign investment.

Also read: South Africa’s Largest Renewable Hybrid Energy Facility

Also read: 53 Gigawatts of Wind Energy Projects in South Africa’s Development Pipeline