26 March 2025 | Story: NontobekoMoimane| Photo: Naledi Nkosi.
3 minutes read time.
In partnership with Standard Bank, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has officially launched the VUT Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, a significant step forward for South Africa’s green hydrogen economy. The soft launch, held on 19 March 2025 at the Vanderbijlpark campus, marks the beginning of a transformative initiative that advances clean energy, empowers students, and drives economic growth in the Vaal Triangle and beyond.
Dr Narissa Ramdhani, Director of Resource Mobilisation, welcomed the guests, highlighting the Centre’s role in shaping the future of green energy. “This moment speaks to resilience, vision, and a shared commitment to innovation,” said Dr Ramdhani. The Centre will serve as a research and collaboration hub, bringing students, faculty, and industry leaders together to pioneer hydrogen energy solutions. “Universities need Centres of Excellence like this, nurturing research, driving innovation, and equipping future leaders to tackle global challenges,” Dr Ramdhani added.
With South Africa hosting the G20 this year, the timing is significant. Standard Bank’s involvement in B20 South Africa underscores the global importance of green hydrogen. The bank’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 aligns seamlessly with this initiative, further strengthening the impact of this partnership.
Led by Professor Khaled Abou-El-Hossein, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, within VUT’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology, the Centre will drive strategic research in alternative energy, contributing to economic growth and workforce development. Its global reach is already evident, VUT is the only African partner in a 13-member European Union consortium, with German funders expressing interest in Phase 2 and potential collaborations from Chile, England, and Japan. Prof Abou-El-Hossein provided a detailed overview of the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, illustrating its role in shaping the future of sustainable energy.
At the soft launch event, VUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Khehla Ndlovu welcomed esteemed guests from VUT and Standard Bank, emphasising how industry recognition strengthens the university’s role as a driver of climate action, particularly in the Vaal region, which is heavily impacted by industrial emissions.
Professor Johannes Maseko, Acting Executive Dean for the Faculty of Management Sciences, shared how Standard Bank’s support is already making a difference, citing a student whose academic excellence was enabled through this partnership. Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation, Dr Simphiwe Nelana reaffirmed VUT’s goal to establish at least eight Centres of Excellence in the next two years, with the Science Park in Sebokeng playing a crucial role while leveraging on having Research Chairs.
Mr Zoltan Griffiths from Standard Bank (Commercial and Business Banking) emphasised the urgent need for a transition to clean energy, praising VUT’s leadership in this space. “Universities are not just places of learning but engines for change. This Centre provides a platform where academia, industry, and government can collaborate for a sustainable future,” he said. Mr Griffiths also congratulated students receiving laptops through the initiative, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and hard work.
One of the recipients, Ms Ayanda Dhladhla, a first-year Internal Auditing student, expressed her gratitude: “This is more than just a device, it’s a game-changer for my academic journey.”
The Centre’s official opening later this year will showcase its groundbreaking work. This launch is more than a milestone for VUT, it’s a defining moment for clean energy research and industry collaboration. It begins a journey toward a greener, more sustainable future powered by vision, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
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