Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to commission a technical audit for the KfW Green Hydrogen Grant Arrangement. The audit aims to evaluate the compliance of Power-to-X (PtX) projects with minimum criteria for green hydrogen production, including environmental, social, and technical standards, to support South Africa’s transition to a sustainable hydrogen economy and meet national and international climate commitments.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Review and verification of PtX projects’ compliance with minimum criteria for green hydrogen and derivatives, including additionality of renewable energy, carbon emissions limits, water use, and social and environmental standards.
• Conducting independent energy audits before project financial close and after commercial operation to assess environmental and social impacts, emissions, and project performance.
• Evaluation of project documentation, data collection, technical modeling, and site inspections.
• Monitoring and validation of project impacts over the lifecycle, including site visits and data analysis post-commissioning.
• Preparation of detailed reports, including inception, process, calculation, compliance, and final audit reports.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Assessment of PtX projects’ compliance with KfW and IDC minimum criteria, including additional renewable energy capacity, emissions thresholds (<1kgCO2/kgH2), water sourcing, and carbon sourcing principles.
• Verification of project data through modeling, calculations, and site inspections.
• Evaluation of environmental and social impacts aligned with IFC standards and national regulations.
• Conducting independent energy audits at key project milestones: pre-financial close and post-COD (Commercial Operation Day).
• Assessment of project impacts, including environmental, social, and biodiversity considerations, throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provision of comprehensive reports with findings, recommendations, and compliance status.

Skills and Experience Requirements

The tender requires the following skills and expertise:

• Technical Audit Experience: Proven track record in conducting technical audits on industrial and renewable energy projects, especially green hydrogen or PtX projects, within the last five years. At least two references demonstrating relevant experience.
• Green Hydrogen & PtX Expertise: In-depth knowledge of green hydrogen production, renewable energy integration, and related certification schemes.
• Environmental & Social Standards: Strong understanding of IFC Performance Standards, EHS Guidelines, and national environmental legislation.
• Energy Modeling & Calculations: Ability to perform detailed technical modeling, including capacity, emissions, and resource assessments.
• Project Management & Coordination: Experience in managing multi-phase audits, site inspections, and stakeholder coordination.
• Local Sector Knowledge: Prior experience working within South Africa’s power sector and familiarity with local regulations, infrastructure, and environmental conditions.
• Language & Communication: Excellent command of English, with skills in report writing, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Team Composition: A team of up to five key experts with relevant qualifications (engineering, environmental sciences, finance, project management) and a South African presence or partnership.