Reports to: Component Leader
Duration: Until 31 December 2023
BACKGROUND
Globally, the demand for green hydrogen (H2) and green hydrogen-based products such as ammonia and synthetic jet fuels (PtX) is rising. To fulfill decarbonization targets, many off-takers (e.g., Germany, EU or Japan) are willing to pay a premium price and to sign long-term supply agreements to stimulate H2/PtX market development. Hydrogen, however, also offers domestic use opportunities to South Africa.
Due to the outstanding potential of renewable energy sources and existing hydrogen production facilities, South Africa is regarded as one of the main future suppliers of green hydrogen products. An essential pre-condition for green H2/PtX market development would be the massive development of low-cost RE capacities and to this end, existing market barriers would need to be removed, the political and regulatory framework would need to be adjusted and a far-reaching capacity building, skills development and training initiative implemented. Building a hydrogen economy could open-up promising new export markets for South African companies as well is domestic use opportunities. It can also lead to significant economic development and job creation and play a role in supporting a just transition in the South African energy sector.
Based on discussions with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and representatives of the South African government in late 2019, GIZ was commissioned to implement a future green hydrogen project (H2.SA) in South Africa from September 2021 and December 2023, with a possible extension under discussion.
The project has four focal areas:
- Supporting policy and regulatory framework conditions for a green hydrogen economy,
- Supporting actors to build a green hydrogen export economy,
- Enhancing capacity and knowledge of South African stakeholders in the H2/PtX sector,
- Mitigating the potential implications of a H2/PtX economy on the environment, society, and the economy.
The H2.SA programme forms part of the Energy Cluster of programmes implemented by GIZ in cooperation with a variety of South African public sector partners. H2.SA cooperates with the Presidency, as well as other relevant Government Departments.
The position of the Technical Advisor will be in Component 4. “Mitigating the potential implications of a H2/PtX economy on the environment, society and the economy”. Component 4 improves knowledge about the potential impacts of a hydrogen economy on the environment and society. The actors involved in the development of a hydrogen economy have a basis for decision-making that allows them to design hydrogen production and the associated massive expansion of solar and wind power plants in an environmentally and socially compatible manner. Affected groups actively participate in the discussion. This minimises environmental and social problems and improves the acceptance of large-scale hydrogen projects
The following activities are planned under Component 4:
- Identification of employment opportunities for coal industry workers and identification
- of training needs in close cooperation with trade unions (e.g. National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa, NUMSA), Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).
- Develop a concept for participation of affected populations in lighthouse project regions (e.g., improved water supply through oversizing of desalination plants, profit-sharing opportunities).
- Analyse the environmental and social impacts of a green hydrogen economy (e.g., land use, water demand and availability, seawater desalination, biodiversity, job creation, negative impacts on affected people/communities) for selected lighthouse projects.
- Strategic advice to relevant ministries (e.g. on the expansion planning of renewable energies and the necessary infrastructure based on the results of the environmental and social studies carried out).
- Develop a communication strategy and appropriate tools (e.g., brochures, website, social media) to raise public awareness of H2/PtX issues.
Note that the list is not exhaustive and will be further developed.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Suitable candidates should apply by submitting a motivation letter stating why they should be the preferred candidate. This should be accompanied by a detailed CV indicating their nationality to [email protected] with the subject line “Technical Advisor: Sustainability and Just Energy Transition” for the attention of Head of Unit: Human Resource.
Closing date for applications: 30 March 2022.
Only shortlisted candidates will be informed!
Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered!
Full job description download below.