The chemical industry depends on carbon feedstocks, which are currently predominantly of fossil origin. A sustainable transformation and reduction of emissions in the industry is not possible without the use of alternative carbon sources – a challenge that must be addressed globally.
As part of the International PtX Hub project, DECHEMA investigated which potential carbon sources could be used for Power-to-X (PtX) processes in South Africa, such as methanol synthesis or the production of Fischer–Tropsch fuels.
The developed interactive map shows which point sources of CO₂ (of fossil and biogenic origin) exist in South Africa, where they are located, and in what quantities. In addition, the tool provides information on the potential of decentralised biogenic carbon sources in the country.
As a partner in the International PtX Hub project, potential carbon sources for power-to-X (PtX) processes in South Africa were investigated and summarised in the form of an interactive map.
Other studies from the project on the topic „Carbon sources for Power-to-X“:
Interactive tool for Argentina
Study „CO2 sources for PtX production in Argentina“
About the Project
The International PtX Hub is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) under the framework of the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The consortium is coordinated by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
DECHEMA has been a project partner from January 2021 to September 2025 and is part of a consortium consisting of GIZ, Agora Energiewende, IRESEN (Institute Research Energy Solar and Energy Nouvelles, Morocco), CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa), CEARE (Centro de Estudios de la Actividad Regulatoria Energética, Argentina), and Fundación Torcuato Di Tella (Argentina).
The project supports the development of sustainable Power-to-X markets as a key component of the energy transition in three countries: Morocco, South Africa, and Argentina.
publishing date February 2026