SA sets R400m aside for hydrogen-economy push

The South African government has launched a hydrogen and fuel cells research strategy, as part of a drive to build a value-added manufacturing platform around its platinum-group metals resource base.

The State would invest some R400-million over three years and it was envisaged that 80% of the funding would be channelled towards technology and expertise development, while the balance would be used to stimulate private sector research.

Through the initiative, South Africa would seek to supply 25% of global catalyst demand by 2020, as well as build on its existing knowledge of high-temperature, gas-cooled nuclear reactors and coal gasification technology in order to develop hydrogen solutions.

Three centres of excellence have been established, covering catalyst development, hydrogen infrastructure, and systems integration. These centres would be run by tertiary education institutions and research organisations, such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Science and Technology Minister Mosibudi Mangena called on industry and the private sector to invest in these centres of excellence, one of which was based at the North West University.

The Department of Science and Technology was currently in negotiations with Johnson Matthey and Anglo Platinum in a bid to win their support for the venture, while State-owned enterprises Eskom and PetroSA had already made substantial investments.