The refinery will be powered by using fuel cell technology, initially with the installation of an 8MW Doosan Fuel Cell.
The project is at an advanced development stage.
Fahmida Smith, fuel cell coordinator at Impala Platinum Refinery, says the first phase of the project will be operational by mid-year.
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Implats has also negotiated a natural gas supply with a local light-gas company.
Smith says the development of the 8MW fuel cell is an exciting development in Implats’ move towards a carbon-neutral fuel source at its refinery.
“The technology uses combined heat and power to capture energy generation, resulting in a significant reduction in costs over the 20 years,” she says.
This fuel cell initiative is the stepping stone of Implats’ strategic objective to fast-track local manufacturing of fuel cells and its components within a proposed 16ha tributary of the special economic zone in the Springs region.
“The zone fuel cell manufacturing hub will be located adjacent to our refinery,” says Smith.
Impala is currently in negotiations with the Gauteng Industrial Development Zone to donate 16ha of land for this.
Smith says they launched their prototype fuel cell forklift and hydrogen refuelling station, which is currently in use in the Base Metals Refinery dispatch section, in 2016.
The project, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Gauteng Industrial Development Zone and supported by the Ekurhuleni Metro, is a longer-term strategic investment.
“Over the long term, Implats will maintain a strong emphasis on the deployment of fuel cell technology and energy-efficiency projects,” says Smith.
The company has invested over R100-million on energy conservation programmes and will continue to work with Eskom while participating in various demand-side management programmes.
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“We will fulfil a prominent role in developing the nascent fuel cell industry in South Africa as part of Implats’ strategic objective to demonstrate responsible stewardship,” says Smith.
Fuel cell forklifts have already been introduced at the refinery precinct.
