In 2014, the DST officially launched the innovative 2,5 kW hydrogen fuel cell power generator prototype unit at the University of the Western Cape.
The generator demonstrates South Africa’s innovative capabilities in the emerging hydrogen and fuel cell technologies space. The prototype was developed by the HySA Systems Integration and Technology Validation Centre of Competence.
The partners have been testing the unit at the Cape Flats Nature Reserve, at the Bellville campus of the University of the Western Cape.
All electrical power used in the reserve is generated from a bank of hydrogen cylinders, instead of from the national grid. The cylinders release hydrogen in the presence of a platinum catalyst (mined in North West) and a series of proton exchange membranes.
The hydrogen fuel cell power generator unit uses hydrogen to generate electrical power, with water vapour being the only byproduct. In this way, electricity is produced in an environmentally friendly way without pollution or noise.
Furthermore, hydrogen can used to produce electricity in remote areas that do not have access to the national grid. The decentralisation of energy generation by using hydrogen fuel cell systems is one of the few possibilities for providing efficient and cost-effective access to electricity.
South Africa has rolled out several energy and energy- efficiency programmes and initiatives, such as HySA, with an emphasis on alternative energy opportunities and off-grid renewable energy solutions.
South Africa is one of the primary suppliers of platinum group metals to the world, but not much beneficiation is being done in the country.
The rise of hydrogen fuel cell technologies in various markets is about to change the global platinum landscape with the anticipated increase in platinum usage in this emerging market. There are significant opportunities for South Africa to partner with international fuel cell producers. These partnerships have the potential to make the country an established hub for the production of fuel cell components.
Subprogrammes
The DST also has a number of subprogrammes that play a pivotal role in ensuring that the department meets its targets. They are:
- Human Capital and Science Promotion: formulates and implements policies and strategies that address the availability of human capital for STI, and provides support for research activities.
- Science Missions: promotes the development of research, the production of scientific knowledge, and the development of human capital within science areas in which South Africa enjoys a geographic advantage.
- Basic Science and Infrastructure: facilitates the strategic implementation of research and innovation equipment and infrastructure to promote knowledge production in areas that are of national priority and to sustain innovation led by R&D.
- Astronomy: supports the development of astronomical sciences around a research strategy on multi-wavelength astronomy, provides strategic guidance and support to relevant astronomy institutions in the implementation of the DST’s astronomy programmes.
- Sector Innovation and Green Economy: provides support in policy, strategy and direction setting for R&D-led growth in strategic sectors of the economy; supports the transition to a green economy.
- Innovation for Inclusive Development: supports the development of science and technology-based innovations for tackling poverty, including the creation of sustainable jobs and sustainable human settlements, as well as the enhanced delivery of basic services.
- Science and Technology Investment: leads and supports the development of indicators and instruments for monitoring investments in science and technology and the performance of the NSI, as well as ways of strengthening policy in relation to the NSI.
- Technology Localisation, Beneficiation and Advanced Manufacturing: advances strategic medium and long-term priorities for sustainable economic growth and sector development, and public service delivery.
