Leaf Branch
Exploring Possibilities
Leaf Branch: exploring the potential for green hydrogen and ammonia in South Africa.
Through Leaf Branch, PlugInSA is exploring the potential for renewable-powered green hydrogen and green ammonia in South Africa. Our initial focus is on understanding practical agricultural and industrial applications, supported by feasibility work, technical expertise and potential partnerships.
South Africa’s green-hydrogen and green-ammonia economy is still emerging. Leaf Branch is PlugInSA’s initiative to understand where these technologies could create real local value—particularly in agriculture, fertiliser supply, industrial energy use and clean-energy infrastructure.
We are starting with market engagement, feasibility thinking and partnership conversations. Our goal is to identify credible, staged opportunities before committing to production, technology selection or major infrastructure investment.
This approach allows PlugInSA to build knowledge, relationships and a practical pathway without overstating what has already been achieved.
Green Hydrogen
Hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity. Leaf Branch is exploring where green hydrogen could support industrial processes, clean mobility, energy resilience and future ammonia production.
Green Ammonia
Ammonia produced using renewable hydrogen and nitrogen. Leaf Branch is assessing its potential role in lower-carbon fertiliser, agricultural supply chains and selected industrial applications.
Green hydrogen and green ammonia are related but different opportunities. Hydrogen is the foundational energy carrier; ammonia can be a more practical product for storage, transport, fertiliser and certain industrial uses.
Businesses and public institutions are looking for ways to reduce emissions while maintaining reliable operations. Hydrogen and ammonia may form part of a broader clean-energy mix.
South Africa is under pressure to strengthen energy resilience, reduce carbon intensity and build new industrial opportunities. Green hydrogen and ammonia sit at the intersection of these priorities—but their success will depend on practical local demand, infrastructure and partnerships.
Leaf Branch is deliberately beginning with questions, not assumptions. Before committing to a specific site, technology or production model, we are focusing on understanding where demand, infrastructure and partnerships could align.
Practical Applications We Are Exploring
Our exploration starts with locally relevant agricultural and industrial applications, where green molecules could replace fossil feedstock — with mobility, transport and export value chains considered as longer-term potential as our understanding grows.
South Africa’s green-hydrogen and green-ammonia economy is still taking shape. Leaf Branch is PlugInSA’s initiative to understand where these technologies can create real value locally—particularly in agriculture, fertiliser supply, industrial energy use and clean-energy infrastructure.
We are beginning with feasibility, market engagement and partnerships. Our aim is to identify credible, staged opportunities before committing to production, technology selection or large-scale infrastructure.
Agriculture & Fertiliser
Exploring green ammonia for low-carbon fertiliser, so food production can grow without relying on fossil gas feedstock.
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Industry & Chemicals
Understanding how zero-carbon hydrogen could serve refining, green steel, chemicals and industrial heat that cannot easily be electrified.
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Mobility & Transport
Considering hydrogen fuel and green ammonia as potential options for shipping, heavy road transport and high-utilisation mining fleets.
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Export Value Chains
Exploring whether export-ready green ammonia and derivative fuels could move through ports, tankage and vessels that already exist.
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