Underground storage solutions could bolster national energy security while accelerating South Africa’s shift to cleaner energy alternatives. In a landmark collaboration bridging mining, energy, and sustainability, SUISO and the Council for Geoscience (CGS) have joined forces to explore South Africa’s subsurface potential.
The initiative will expand the CGS’s ongoing assessment of underground carbon storage capacity, enhance sustainable critical mineral exploration, and support the country’s transition to a greener energy future.
SUISO, a sustainable blue-ammonia production facility in Kriel, Mpumalanga, is partnering with CGS to determine whether South Africa’s geological formations can safely store carbon emissions. This could reduce industrial pollution while unlocking new opportunities in green hydrogen production and responsible resource extraction—key pillars of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.
A critical step for energy policy & economic growth
The findings from this initiative will influence future energy policy, mining innovation, and green economy strategies, positioning South Africa as a leader in sustainable solutions.
The project comes at a crucial time, as industries face growing pressure to cut emissions. Underground carbon storage offers a way to reduce South Africa’s industrial carbon footprint without sacrificing economic growth.
Africa’s homegrown climate solution
As global climate discussions intensify, this partnership underscores Africa’s proactive role in sustainable energy. Beyond carbon storage, the initiative explores green hydrogen potential, reinforcing energy security while advancing cleaner alternatives.
With international funding for Africa’s energy transition uncertain—such as the recent withdrawal of a US$1-billion green energy pledge—this project highlights local commitment to climate action.
“We’re not waiting for external support to dictate our future,” says Paul Erskine, SUISO founder. “South Africa has the resources and expertise to drive its own sustainable energy solutions. This project is a critical step in that direction.”
A Milestone for Geo-Exploration
The collaboration marks a major advancement for South Africa’s geo-exploration sector, particularly in studying the Bushveld Complex – a 66,000km² mineral-rich region north of Pretoria.
“Carbon capture is no longer an option, it’s a necessity,” Erskine emphasises. “The SUISO/CGS joint venture lays the groundwork for a scalable solution to South Africa’s emissions challenge—while keeping industry operational and productive.”
This initiative not only addresses climate concerns but also strengthens South Africa’s position in the global green economy.
In the heart of Mpumalanga, a region historically known for its coal mining, a groundbreaking project is set to redefine the future of sustainable energy and food security in South Africa. Suiso, a homegrown company specialising in blue ammonia production, has announced a monumental $1.7 billion (R31.5 billion) investment in a state-of-the-art coal-to-fertiliser facility in Kriel.
Founded in 2019 by four visionary South African entrepreneurs, Suiso is on a mission to drive sustainable energy solutions, enhance food security, and promote responsible resource management.
The project, which has garnered significant attention for its scale and ambition, is backed by prominent businesswoman and former Miss South Africa Basetsana Kumalo as a black economic empowerment (BEE) partner.
It promises to create 4,000 jobs during its construction phase, slated to begin in 2026, and 981 permanent positions once the facility becomes operational in 2029.
At full capacity, the facility will produce 1.5 million tons of nitrogen-based fertilisers annually, replacing South Africa’s current import of 1.2 million tons of urea fertilisers. This will not only save the country valuable foreign exchange but also shield the agricultural sector from the volatility of global supply chains.
