In a groundbreaking collaboration, SUISO and the Council for Geoscience (CGS) have joined forces to explore South Africa’s subsurface potential. This initiative aims to advance research in underground carbon storage, sustainable critical mineral extraction, and the country’s transition to cleaner energy solutions.
SUISO, a sustainable manufacturing blue-ammonia production complex based in Kriel, Mpumalanga, will work alongside CGS to assess South Africa’s geological formations for secure carbon emissions storage. The project seeks to mitigate industrial pollution while unlocking economic opportunities in green hydrogen production and resource extraction.
Advancing the Just Energy Transition
This initiative is part of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, an ongoing effort by CGS within its integrated geoscience mapping programme. Findings from the SUISO/CGS partnership will influence key areas such as:
- Energy policy development
- Mining innovation
- Green economy expansion
With industries under mounting pressure to reduce emissions, South Africa is exploring underground carbon storage as a means of maintaining economic viability while significantly lowering its carbon footprint.
Africa’s Role in Global Climate Solutions
As global climate concerns intensify, this collaboration highlights Africa’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Beyond carbon storage, SUISO and CGS are investigating green hydrogen production, a technology poised to strengthen national energy security and drive clean energy transitions.
At a time when international funding for Africa’s energy shift remains uncertain—such as the recent withdrawal of the $1
R18.62-billion pledge to support Africa’s green energy transition—this initiative demonstrates South Africa’s self-reliance in addressing climate action and sustainability.
Industry Leaders Speak Out
“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.”
The partnership also marks a major milestone for South Africa’s geo-exploration sector, particularly in studying the Bushveld Complex—a 66,000 km² geological region north of Pretoria, recognized as one of the world’s richest mineral-bearing formations.
“Carbon capture is no longer an option—it’s a necessity,” Erskine adds. “The SUISO/CGS joint venture lays the groundwork for a scalable solution to South Africa’s emissions challenge. But it does this while keeping industry operational and productive.”
