Hive Coega has officially entered its construction phase, with tenders now out for its core infrastructure. This milestone comes four years after the project was first launched. Hive Coega involves the entire technical process, from generating power through renewable energy sources to handling export operations.

Hive Coega, South Africa’s largest green ammonia initiative, has entered a crucial stage with the official launch of tenders for its key infrastructure. This step, four years after the project's start, marks the beginning of the execution phase, with a final investment decision expected by the end of 2026.

Fifteen international engineering and construction (EPC) firms have been invited to submit proposals, chosen from an initial pool of 48 applicants. These tenders cover the construction of a green ammonia production plant capable of producing one million tonnes per year, along with two 7-kilometer pipelines, storage facilities, and desalination units. The tenders also include the project’s energy components: 1,430 megawatts of solar power across nine sites and 1,879 megawatts of wind power.

Led by Hive Hydrogen and located in the Coega Special Economic Zone on South Africa's east coast, the government recognizes this project as a "flagship" initiative. It is the first to receive financing from the SA-H2 fund, which is dedicated to green hydrogen. Already, $20 million has been mobilized for preparatory work, and a team of over 120 experts has been developing the site since 2019.

Beyond just engineering, the project aims to establish a fully integrated industrial chain. This includes hydrogen production through electrolysis, ammonia synthesis, storage, and export logistics, primarily targeting Europe and Asia. The solar power phase of the project, which is expected to supply 40% of the required energy, has already been approved.

Moving into the execution phase confirms the project's technical readiness, especially as many competing announcements across the continent remain conceptual. If the timeline holds, South Africa could become the first African country to deliver green ammonia at scale by 2029.

Olivier de Souza