Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and Hydrogen South Africa (HySA), has recently achieved a significant milestone in the country’s clean energy transition with the handover of a locally developed Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station at North West University (NWU).
This project forms part of the DSTI’s contribution to South Africa’s just energy transition, hydrogen economy, and long-term net-zero ambitions. It demonstrates how publicly funded research can be translated into safe, commercially viable infrastructure through strategic public-private partnerships.
Developed by HySA Infrastructure in collaboration with TSAM, the refuelling station supports the advancement of hydrogen mobility, particularly for commercial transport applications. The facility also serves as a live demonstration platform for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle technologies, showcased through the Toyota Mirai.
For Toyota, this initiative reinforces its long-standing commitment to a multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality—an approach that recognises different regions and use cases require a mix of technologies, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles.
“Hydrogen is an important part of Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy for achieving carbon neutrality,” said Anton Smalberger, Senior Manager for New Energy Business Development at Toyota South Africa Motors. “This milestone is not only about new technology but about building a viable hydrogen ecosystem that is safe, standards-compliant, and suitable for South African conditions. As a company, we are pleased to support government’s goals toward the decarbonisation of the transport sector.”
The hydrogen refueller was developed using South African engineering expertise and complies with 42 international and local standards, underscoring its readiness for commercial application and its role in building a credible hydrogen mobility ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, DSTI Director General Dr. Mlungisi Cele noted that the handover illustrated the successful translation of publicly funded research into infrastructure that supports industrial development, skills creation, and energy security, while enabling the decarbonisation of key sectors of the economy.
Alongside the refueller, the launch of the Rapid Prototyping, Testing and Training Facility at NWU further strengthens South Africa’s hydrogen innovation capability, supporting the scaling of green hydrogen technologies.
Smalberger added: “Hydrogen commercialisation requires collaboration, patience, and credibility. This project demonstrates that South Africa can move from research to reality, and that Toyota is committed to being part of that journey in support of the country’s just energy transition.”
