Platinum power fuel cell launch
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) minister Dr Rob Davies launched Africa’s first ever 100-kilowatt fuel cell that runs on platinum and natural gas.
Platinum Power Fuel Cell was installed at the Chamber of Mines offices, in Johanneburg, yesterday (April 1).
In a statement from the department, it stated “It is Africa’s first ever building baseload fuel cell that runs on natural gas and will see South Africa gain entry into the manufacturing and distribution of fuel cell components.”
This is a joint project between the DTI through a financial injection of R7.5-million for feasibility work of the project and Mitochondria, the energy company that received loan financing to the tune of R3.25-m from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
Speaking at the launch, Davies said that being a depository of 80% of the world’s platinum resource and one of its major producers puts South Africa at the forefront of developing fuel cell technology.
“It also answers to the demand and it enhances opportunities for those in the mining industry.
“The real value chain is by being involved in value addition through beneficiation,” said Davies.
He further said they believe there is no reason why South Africa cannot become a significant player in the manufacture of fuel cell generators using the platinum that we have in abundance in our country.
“It is for that reason that we have been looking at ways we can add value to our resources as a driver of industrial development in our country,” said Davies.
Davies added that the Platinum Power Fuel Cell technology takes the country to the top of the value chain where “we would be able to establish small plants like this one providing power in outlying areas and areas where it is difficult to connect people to the grid.”
The DTI was contemplating the development of a platinum based Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and also have a range of incentive programmes in place.
“Our team is available to discuss with this industry on establishing a plant in South Africa and on ways that government can support and encourage this very important technologically leading value addition to our platinum reserves,” he said.
