ABSTRACT
Global demand for renewable hydrogen, power-to-gas, and fuel cell technologies are increasing rapidly as many countries, particularly Germany, Japan, USA, China, and South Korea, are focusing their attention to clean energy technologies, which will improve their triple bottom-line (financial, environmental, and social). The South African Government, through HySA (Hydrogen South Africa) program, as well as through business-driven approach of PGM (Platinum Group Metal) mining companies, such as Anglo American Platinum, Impala Platinum, and Lonmin, are aggressively pursuing research, development, and market creation for hydrogen, fuel cell, and water electrolysis technologies. These activities will result in the beneficiation of minerals in South Africa (SA), in turns increasing employment for high-quality jobs, development of human capital, and improved quality of life. In SA, there is a significant demand for energy in rural areas. This includes critical infrastructure sites such as schools and hospitals, as well as households. Extension of the electrical grid to most of these areas is currently not economically viable and feasible. This represents a great opportunity to fulfil unmet needs for on-site power generation using clean energy technology approaches. Other market opportunities for HFCT (Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies) in SA include the mining and the telecom sectors (especially in the whole of the Sub-Saharan area). For these reasons, the Department 204of Science and Technology (DST) of SA developed the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies (HFCT) Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Strategy. The National Strategy was branded Hydrogen South Africa (HySA). The overall goal of HySA is to develop and guide innovation along the value chain of HFCT in SA. Allied to this, one of the objectives is to support and develop a range of high-level skills, generally in accordance with the required Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
This chapter reports on the general activities of HySA in SA as well as focuses on some key hydrogen and fuel cell technologies that are under development at HySA. A brief overview of the general energy profile of South Africa will be highlighted and other than HySA players in the hydrogen space will be briefly discussed.
