COVID-19 field hospital run on hydrogen power

World Smart Energy Week 2026

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:11:56 GMT

The 25th Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo (H2 & FC EXPO) JAPAN

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – April 2026 - Bambili Energy, a pioneering South African clean energy solution provider, together with its strategic partner HyPlat, a specialised membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) manufacturer, participated in the prestigious 2026 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Expo (H2 & FC EXPO) in Tokyo, Japan. The exhibition took place from March 16 to 18, 2026, at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition.

This event marked another significant step for the South African hydrogen economy onto the global stage. As Africa’s leading voice in scalable fuel cell technology, Bambili Energy continues to demonstrate its robust, "Made in South Africa" power solutions to a worldwide audience of industry leaders, investors, and technology partners. Bambili was invited by the South African Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) to participate in the event.

Bambili Energy provides clean, flexible, and reasonably priced energy solutions designed to withstand tough climatic conditions. At the Tokyo expo, and in a strategic move to highlight the depth of the local supply chain, Bambili Energy co-exhibited with its partner, HyPlat, a manufacturer of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs). MEAs are often referred to as the "heart" of the fuel cell, comprising the proton exchange membrane and the electrode/catalyst layer that facilitates the chemical reaction creating electricity. By presenting both the system and the core component technology, the South African delegation aims to demonstrate vertical integration capability and technical sovereignty.

Nyonga Fofang, the MD of Bambili Group and Zanele Mavuso Mbatha, CEO of Bambili Energy, expressed their enthusiasm about the South African delegation's participation in the event: "Japan is a global leader in hydrogen technology and a critical market for fuel cell adoption. Our presence at the FC Expo is not just about displaying our products; it is about signalling that Africa is ready to contribute to and collaborate in the global hydrogen value chain. We are bringing high-quality, durable, and efficient solutions that address the reality of energy access worldwide."

The agenda included high-level networking sessions, technical workshops, and strategic meetings aimed at fostering international partnerships. The mission aligns with Bambili Group and Bambili Energy’s visions of exchanging knowledge across regions to accelerate the energy transition, echoing their ongoing exploratory dialogues with international partners in markets like Europe, the UK, China, Japan, and South Korea.

The FC Expo is one of the world’s leading exhibitions for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The 2026 edition hosted over 480 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors from across the globe, including major players like Toyota, Panasonic, and various international energy consortia.

The event saw strong international attendance, validating Japan as one of the strategic market entry points. South Africa, Germany, and Switzerland were among the countries with a dedicated pavilion, presenting engineering solutions, featuring start-ups and high-quality component manufacturers in the value chain.

The main talking points at this expo were cost reduction, supply chain logistics, and international collaboration. If one is interested in clean energy, automotive, or heavy industry, this was one of the definitive events to understand where the market is heading in 2026.

Beijing 2023 Global Energy Transition Forum

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 11:13:32 GMT

Beijing 2023 Global Energy Transition Forum

The Global Energy Transition Forum has been held for four sessions from 2019 to 2022 and invited top experts from over 20 countries for sharing cutting-edge technological achievements. It has attracted well-known Chinese and foreign enterprises and institutions to showcase the latest technological innovations in the field of energy.

The Forum consisted of an opening ceremony, a main forum, nine thematic sub-forums, offline and online parallel meetings for the closing ceremony, exhibitions and displays, a series of warm-up activities, signing and unveiling ceremonies, etc.

The opening ceremony and main forum was held on September 16, 2023. The nine thematic sub-forums are as follows.

- Forum on New Energy Mineral Resources and National Energy Security

- Forum on Development Based on Integration of Greenization and Digitalization

- Energy Storage Forum on Industry-University-Research Integration Development

- International Cooperation Forum on Green and Low-carbon Energy

- Forum on Global Realization of "Possible Trinity" of Energy

- Hydrogen Energy-based Green Development Forum

- Comprehensive Smart Energy Development and Practice Forum

- Forum on Digital Transformation Promoting High-quality Development of Energy Industry Internet

- 2023 Energy Valley Construction and Development Forum

World Smart Energy Week 2023 - Osaka, Japan

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 12:16:51 GMT

World's largest class!

New Energy Comprehensive Exhibition

2050 Renewable energy is expected to spread more and more toward the realization of carbon neutrality.

This exhibition, one of the world's largest comprehensive new energy exhibitions, exhibits various technologies such as photovoltaic power generation, secondary batteries, and smart grids, and has established itself in the industry as an exhibition that attracts experts from all over the world.

This exhibition, where people and information from all over the world gathered was an important platform for accelerating the energy business face-to-face.

To catch a glimpse of the exhibition, please click the video below:

South African Business Forum Denmark-Netherlands 2023

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:49:39 GMT

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO HOST JOINT WORKING VISIT BY PRIME MINSTER RUTTE OF THE NETHERLANDS AND PRIME MINISTER FREDERIKSEN OF DENMARK

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 20 June 2023, host a joint working visit by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr Mark Rutte, and the Prime Minister of Denmark, Ms Mette Frederiksen.

The visit took place at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.

The Prime Ministers visited South Africa on the 19th and 20th of June 2023 at the invitation of President Ramaphosa.

The Business Forum was held to solidify South Africa’s relationship with Denmark and the Netherlands in the areas of green hydrogen, renewable energy and just energy transition. It is expected that South Africa and the Netherlands will sign the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation on green hydrogen. The visit also brought a substantial group of investors to South Africa to reinforce the high levels of cooperation and good relations between South Africa and two important European partners and entailed a programme of joint bilateral talks and a joint business seminar.

In addition to a meeting with the President, the two Prime Ministers also participated in the Denmark-Netherlands-South Africa Business Forum hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC).

A delegation that included the CEOs of the Port of Rotterdam, Invest International, which provides financing for projects, as well as the Gasunie, which owns and manages the gas transmission network in the Netherlands, will accompany Prime Minister Rutte. In addition, about 15 private companies formed part of the delegation. Prime Minister Frederiksen was accompanied by a high-level business delegation.

The Business Forum was held under the theme “Green Energy Transition and Green Hydrogen Partnerships for Impact” which focused mainly on key areas in green energy and green hydrogen.

Ahead of the leaders addressing the business forum, delegates participated in plenary sessions on finance and skills development for local impact; roundtables were encouraged to discussion a number of areas including the greening of industry, port development, industrial development support, green mobility, fuel cells and electrolysers, and green energy generation.

For more insight on how the South Africa Business Forum's processions went, click the video below:

2023 International Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Vehicle Conference and Exhibition

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 08:57:04 GMT

On July 5-7, 2023, the Society of Automotive Engineers of China and the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association successfully held the 2023 International Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Vehicle Conference and Exhibition (hereinafter referred to as the "Conference").

With the theme of "demonstration leads, hydrogen inspires the future", the conference focuses on the demonstration application and commercialization of fuel cell vehicles, multi-field application innovation practices, clean hydrogen production and commercial development paths, infrastructure and storage and transportation safety, and core components In-depth discussions on hot topics such as key technologies and key equipment for the hydrogen energy industry, and actively provide suggestions for the high-quality development of hydrogen energy and fuel cell vehicle industries.

Hou Fushen, Deputy Secretary-General of SAE-China presided over the opening ceremony. Miao Changxing , first-level inspector of the Equipment Industry Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Wang Qinglin, first-level inspector of the International Cooperation Department of the China Association for Science and Technology, Han Dadong , director of the Intelligent Manufacturing Promotion Division of the Shanghai Economic and Information Commission, and Li Feng , deputy head of the People's Government of Jiading District, Shanghai speech. Zou Ciyong , Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization , Klaus Bonhoff , Director of the Basic Policy Department of the German Federal Ministry of Digitalization and Transport, and Rebecca Maserumule, President of the International Partnership for Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Economy, delivered video speeches at the conference.

For more information, click the logo below:

World Hydrogen 2023

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 08:57:03 GMT

The Global Platform Where Hydrogen Deals Get Done.

The leading global platform for hydrogen business returned to the iconic Rotterdam Ahoy 9-11 May 2023 doubling in size. Enabling twice as many companies to showcase, collaborate and do deals to advance the global hydrogen economy.

The Sustainable Energy Council with partners the Port of Rotterdam, the City of Rotterdam and the Province of Zuid-Holland welcomed over 11,500 decision makers, Energy Ministers, and CEOs from over 100 countries, to enhance the event as the official global springboard for hydrogen deals and project developments where real action is displayed to inspire and motivate the rest of the world.

Featuring the C-Level Summit, a bustling Exhibition, the inaugural Africa Hydrogen Forum, an insightful H2 Tech Series, the World Hydrogen Awards, unique Site Visits to the Port of Rotterdam hydrogen projects and non-stop networking for the entire value chain, this 2023 edition was the biggest World Hydrogen yet! View our photo gallery and read the Executive Summary !

We look forward to welcoming you back to the Rotterdam Ahoy next year on 13-15 May for World Hydrogen 2024 Summit & Exhibition.

For more information, click on the logo below:

DSI leads South Africa’s participation at Japan International Hydrogen and FC Expo

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 13:42:26 GMT

South Africa is participating in the world’s largest exhibition in the hydrogen and fuel cell (FC) industry, showcasing the latest technologies, research and development innovation, components, materials and devices.

Taking place in Tokyo from 15 to 17 March, the 2023 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Expo forms part of a series of events that comprise World Smart Energy Week.

In line with global developments, South Africa sees the hydrogen economy as a potential game changer to re-industrialise the country and to become an exporter of cost-effective green hydrogen to the world, leveraging its abundant mineral and natural resources such as solar and wind.

The Cabinet approval of the National Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa 2021 and the release of the Hydrogen Valley Feasibility Study Report are the culmination of a long-standing investment by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in the development and application of scientific knowledge domains such as the hydrogen economy, which South Africa sees as critical for advancing national development and global competitiveness.

The DSI considers the expo platform to be an opportunity to showcase the relevant infrastructure, technical capabilities and competencies established through the three Centres of Competence (HySA Catalysis, HySA Infrastructure and HySA Systems) as part of implementing the DSI-supported Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Programme.

In addition to the three HySA Centres of Competence, the DSI has invited eight South African companies (HyPlat, Bambili Energy, Anglo American Platinum , Coega Development Corporation, Sasol Limited, Hive Energy, InfiniX Energy and Midnite Aerospace Solutions) to be part of the exhibitors in the South African pavilion.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, an entity of the DSI, will also exhibit its work towards the development of a hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicle, using locally developed fuel cell technology to support efforts to decarbonise aviation in South Africa.

Apart from showcasing their capabilities, stakeholders will be able to explore complementary partnerships to unlock the potential socio-economic benefits of the integration of hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies in various sectors of the economy.

The South African pavilion will demonstrate the country’s potential to sell green hydrogen and green ammonia to countries such as Japan and the UK at globally competitive prices, as well as the ability to create an enabling ecosystem that supports hydrogen innovation and skills development. The expo will also be used to explore strategic partnerships that will promote the manufacturing of locally developed intellectual property across the Hydrogen Valley corridor.

Press logo link below for full article

Synthesis Report December 2022

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 12:37:35 GMT

The South African Green Hydrogen TVET Ecosystem Just Transition Strategic Framework

Hydrogen to account for almost one-fifth of total final energy consumed by 2050

Fri, 13 May 2022 10:19:00 GMT

One of our chosen pathways for reaching a low-carbon future is the adoption of hydrogen as an energy source, over less sustainable and more polluting options.

Hydrogen is the earth’s most abundant element, and is a versatile, zero-emission energy carrier with a high energy density. It can also be stored in large quantities and for long periods and can be employed in sectors that are hard to decarbonise (so-called ‘hard-to-abate’ sectors), including long-haul heavy-duty transport, chemicals, steel, cement, aviation, and shipping. It can also be used as a store of energy generated from renewables.

The Hydrogen Council currently estimates that hydrogen could represent 18% of global energy demand by 2050. Platinum group metals (PGMs), essential in cleaning up the noxious gases from internal combustion engines (ICE) for some time to come, also play a critical role in the emerging hydrogen economy.

The Power & Potential of Hydrogen

Fri, 13 May 2022 10:16:39 GMT

Climate change is the defining challenge of our time.

The global response to climate change, specifically the decarbonisation of energy, transport, and broader industry, is driving a major transition towards a low-carbon future. At Anglo American, we’re committed to supporting this transition and to playing our part in addressing the root causes of climate change. Our FutureSmart MiningTM programme is designed to bring together technology and digitalisation to drive sustainability outcomes.

We believe that hydrogen - a clean, versatile energy carrier of almost infinite supply - has a significant and wide-ranging role to play in achieving a low-carbon future.

We are already targeting carbon neutrality across our operations by 2040, with eight of our operations reaching that goal by 2030. We are also rapidly increasing our sourcing of renewable energy. We’re using 100% renewables in Chile from 2021, in Brazil from 2022, and Peru in 2023.

In all, 56% of our global grid supply will be sourced from renewables by 2023.

In South Africa, Anglo American is working with EDF Renewables, a global leader in renewable energy, to develop a regional renewable energy ecosystem (RREE). This ecosystem will be designed to meet all our operational electricity requirements in South Africa through renewables by 2030, while supporting the resilience of the local electricity supply systems and the wider decarbonisation of energy in the country.

Meet the world’s lightest 510t truck

Fri, 13 May 2022 10:06:46 GMT

A solution so ambitious, it didn’t exist.

So we made it from scratch.

nuGenTM represents what it means to think about mining differently. Our FutureSmart MiningTM programme is developing and implementing step-change innovations that are transforming the very nature of mining and how our stakeholders experience our business. We are working towards a world where our mines are integrated, automated, carbon neutral, and use far less water. A safer, smarter, more sustainable future.

To start big, we went light

Light on emissions.
Light on the environment.
And fuelled by the lightest element on earth – hydrogen gas.

This is the inspiration behind our nuGenTM Zero Emission Haulage Solution (ZEHS) project, an end-to-end integrated green hydrogen production, fuelling, and haulage system for mine sites.

Our pilot for the nuGenTM Zero Emission Haulage Solution is a hydrogen-powered ultra-class mine haul truck. It’s an ambitious project that marks the first time a truck of this size and load capacity (a 220t truck with a load capacity of 290t = a total laden weight of 510t) has been converted to run on hydrogen that will be produced on-site in hybrid combination with a battery.

The nuGenTM truck is retrofitted from a diesel-powered vehicle. The truck uses a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell providing roughly half of the power and a battery pack the other half, to allow energy recovery from braking.
Hydrogen enters the fuel cell from the tank and mixes with oxygen to create water in a chemical reaction catalysed by platinum. This generates electricity that is used to power the motors that drive the wheels. The only emission from the vehicle is water vapour.
The 2-megawatt hybrid battery/hydrogen fuel cell powerplant, which replaces the diesel engine installed, has been designed by Anglo American and our partner First Mode in Seattle, USA.
The power management and battery systems in the truck have been developed to improve overall efficiency by recovering energy when the haul trucks travel downhill, through regenerative braking.
By harvesting the regenerative energy created when driving downhill, we reduce our need for external energy. This energy, stored in the battery, together with the hydrogen extends the truck's range and reduces the out of cycle time for the trucks, since hydrogen refueling is significantly faster than recharging batteries.

As part of the integrated nuGen™ solution, we have also built a zero emission vehicles hydrogen production, storage, and refueling complex at Mogalakwena that incorporates the largest electrolyser in Africa and a solar PV field to support the operation of the haul truck.

ENGIE is the hydrogen producer and supplier in this proof of concept project.

Visit ENGIE’s website here: engie.com

Anglo American’s Hydrogen-powered truck is a head turner

Fri, 13 May 2022 09:57:30 GMT

Introducing nuGenTM Solution, Anglo American's Zero Emissions Haulage Solution

It’s a product of a culture that takes clean energy seriously.

The mining group unveiled the world’s biggest green-hydrogen powered truck at its Mogalakwena platinum mine in Limpopo on Friday (May 6). Image: Supplied

It was many years in the making, but Anglo American’s recent unveiling of a hydrogen-powered truck with a load capacity of 290t is a game changer for the mining sector.

It’s a remarkable milestone for Anglo, and for the broader mining community. Known as the nuGen Zero Emission Haulage system, the hydrogen-powered truck is retrofitted from a diesel-powered vehicle, employing a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell providing roughly half of the power and a battery pack the other half, to allow energy recovery from braking.

The truck itself weighs 220t, with a load capacity of 290t, giving a total weight of 510t.

The technology allows the trucks to be run on hydrogen produced on site, combined with battery power.

The 2-megawatt hybrid battery/hydrogen fuel cell powerplant, which replaces the diesel engine installed, has been designed by Anglo American and First Mode in Seattle, USA.

The plan is to retrofit 40 diesel trucks at Anglo’s Mogalakwena platinum mine in Limpopo province, the largest open pit platinum mine in the world, and later roll out the concept to all 400 haulage trucks in the fleet. The haul truck fleet accounts for 80% of diesel emissions at Anglo’s mining sites, so a conversion to hydrogen/battery power will make a substantial contribution towards the group’s target of carbon neutrality.

Anglo has built a zero emission vehicles hydrogen production, storage and refuelling complex at Mogalakwena that incorporates the largest electrolyser in Africa and a solar photovoltaic field to support the operation of the haul truck.

It is fitting that Anglo Platinum has been chosen as the hub of the nuGen programme, given the importance of platinum group metals (PGMs) in the production of electrolysers needed to produce green hydrogen as a fuel.

The power management and battery systems in the truck have been developed to improve overall efficiency by recovering energy when the haul trucks travel downhill, through regenerative braking.

Hydrogen enters the fuel cell from the tank and mixes with oxygen to create water in a chemical reaction catalyzed by platinum. This generates electricity that is used to power the motors that drive the wheels.

The only emission from the vehicle is water vapor.

This is part of Anglo’s Future Smart Mining programme, involving step-by-step innovations where mines are integrated, automated, carbon neutral, and use far less water.

The launch of our nuGen truck provides a real-world case for the wider adoption and use of hydrogen across the heaviest duty forms of transport, for which hydrogen carries numerous advantages over battery technology.

Just Energy Transition

This is all part of Anglo’s Just Energy Transition, where companies, governments, communities and individuals agree a social compact towards a low carbon future. Anglo sees its role being that of a global leader in sustainable mining, where ESG (environment, social and governance) standards are weighted with real world solutions that make business sense.

At the launch of the nuGen truck, Anglo was able to point to the commercial logic behind the hybrid hydrogen/battery project. As the new mining trucks improve cost-competitiveness, demand for hydrogen could reach 40 kilotons by 2030, and up to 74 kilotons in Johannesburg, driven by growing demand from buses, public buildings, commercial offices and industries. Durban and Richards Bay could add another 70 kilotons of hydrogen demand by 2030 through heavy duty trucking, port operations and public buses.

A feasibility study by SA’s Department of Science and Innovation, together with Anglo American, the South African National Development Institute, Engie, and Bambili Energy explored the potential for a hydrogen valley to be developed in the Bushveld geological area and beyond, identifying tangible project opportunities centred around potential hydrogen hubs.

The study identifies three hubs with a fundamental role to play in integrating hydrogen into South Africa’s economy, and in establishing the country as a strategically important centre for green hydrogen production. They include Johannesburg, extending to Rustenburg and Pretoria; Durban, encompassing the city itself and Richards Bay; and Limpopo province centered around Anglo American’s Mogalakwena PGMs mine.

Nine key pilot projects have also been identified across these hubs and are recommended to be prioritized by developers. They span the transport, industrial and construction sectors.

According to the study, establishing a hydrogen valley could add more than $3.9 billion (R63 billion) to South Africa’s GDP by 2050, while creating in excess of 14 000 jobs per year, spanning the entire hydrogen value chain, from research and development, engineering and maintenance, to training and outreach – across sourcing, production, transportation, storage and applications such as fuel cell manufacturing. The potential contribution to GDP and job creation is more than double these figures when indirect contributions are factored in.

The study sees potential for the adoption of fuel cell forklifts in Durban and Richards Bay ports, for large haul mining trucks across the country, for buses in Johannesburg, and to power data supply centres in Limpopo and for offices in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

This is why the successful piloting of the nuGen truck has elicited such excitement. It heralds not just the birth of a new generation of clean technologies in large haul mining, but opens the door to a much larger economy that will bring SA closer to the goal of carbon neutrality – all the while, creating commercial opportunities and jobs where they are most needed.

South Africa: Hydrogen Valley Feasibility Study Report Launched

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 11:38:07 GMT

South Africa: Hydrogen Valley Feasibility Study Report Launched

The Hydrogen Valley feasibility Study Report was launched on October 9 during a webinar session hosted by South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). The report presents hydrogen as a significant opportunity for economic development and renewable energy generation in South Africa.

The report is a collaborative partnership between the DSI, Anglo-American Platinum, Bambili Energy and ENGIE ; and outlines opportunities to transform the Bushveld Complex and larger region around Johannesburg, Mogalakwena and Durban into a Hydrogen Valley.

It further showcases how hydrogen presents a significant opportunity for economic development in South Africa, including the creation of jobs and the monetization of the platinum industry. The report also highlights hydrogen’s potential to contribute to South Africa’s decarbonization objectives, leveraging renewable development programs to produce green hydrogen, and how global commitments towards hydrogen production and demand can create an opportunity for South Africa to engage in energy export at an international level.

The virtual event was officially opened by Technology Innovation Deputy Director General at the Department of Science and Innovation, H.E. Dr. Mmboneni Muofhe . In his opening remarks, he addressed how the hydrogen valley will unlock economic development opportunities in South Africa.

“One of the things that we have wanted to do is to reach a point where are going to build very strong partnerships with the private sector in order to take the hydrogen society into being part of the critical aspects of other economic activities in the country,” he said.

Director at ENGIE, Vincenzo Giordano , stated that hydrogen is a key element to unlocking decarbonisation objectives set in the Paris Agreement, with reference to South Africa’s ambitious objectives of reaching net zero by 2050.

“Green energy has a leverage potential for growth, it’s a strategic priority for South Africa’s economic development and decarbonization. So, the goal of the study in this context was to look at what are the necessary conditions to kickstart the hydrogen economy in the country, in particular this hydrogen valley, which is discovered to be the corridors stretching from Mogalakwena to Richards Bay in KwaZulu Natal,” he said.

According to the report, these corridors have been identified based on locations with potential for a high concentration of future hydrogen demand, the possibility to produce hydrogen and contributions to the just transition—an economic development plan that brings positive social impact particularly to more fragile groups and communities. These hubs – located in Johannesburg, Durban, and Mogalakwena – will host pilot projects and contribute to the launch the hydrogen economy in the Hydrogen Valley.

CEO of Bambili Energy Services, Zanele Mavuso Mbatha shared her insights, “We have gone beyond the concept stage to materializing and implementing. We are re-inventing business models within the energy sector. Hydrogen economy has increased interest and advanced involvement by participants. The data points and inputs are very empirical and make a very strong case for domestic hydrogen economy. Therefore, the issue aggravating demand for this commodity is a priority.”

Hydrogen export could be a potential future source of demand; however, the Valley will face competition from other hydrogen exporting countries such as Morocco and Australia and from other ports in South Africa such as Boegoebaai. Nevertheless, the co-location of demand and supply gives synergy opportunities within the hub that will help initiate and scale up pilot projects.

A recommendation for the Hydrogen Valley to either consolidate domestic demand and create economies of scale before embarking on ambitious export projects, or take an opportunistic stance such as leveraging international funds to develop export infrastructure, was made.

Meanwhile, Anglo America Platinum CEO, Natalia Viljoen stated that the potential opportunity the project offers South Africa was close to Anglo American’s purpose of improving people’s livelihoods by transitioning into a hydrogen fuelled economy.

“As the world’s leading producer of platinum goods, we hope to shape the ecosystem through incentivising the production of hydrogen fuel which will include key institutions of implementing this strategy,” she said.

SEE ARTICLE BELOW.

South Africa Hydrogen Valley Webinar - October 2021

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 15:43:33 GMT

The South Africa Hydrogen Valley Webinar was a great look into the life-changing benefits our country may gain for living a new life through Hydrogen Energy. Take a look at the webinar links above.

Cabinet expected to approve Hydrogen Society Roadmap by early 2022 at latest

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 15:16:58 GMT

South Africa’s Hydrogen Society Roadmap (HSRM) will be presented for Cabinet approval either before the end of the year or early next year and should outline how the country’s resource advantages should be leveraged to produce green hydrogen, as well as to integrate hydrogen-related technologies, such as fuel cells, into various sectors of the economy.

Department of Science and Innovation chief director for hydrogen and energy Dr Rebecca Masemurule says the HSRM is likely to emphasise the centrality of renewable energy not only in the production of clean electricity, but also to produce competitive green fuels that can be used to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, such as land and marine freight logistics, as well as the manufacture of steel, cement and chemicals.

“If we can ensure that we get the regulatory support in place quickly, we can ensure that renewables are able to play a role in producing green hydrogen or green ammonia for South Africa, as well as for export markets,” she said during a webinar hosted jointly by the National Press Club and the Government Communication and Information System on Wednesday.

“The purpose of the HSRM is to align stakeholders around a common vision on hydrogen-related technologies for the country in order to create an environment where investment decisions can be made to unlock the social and economic benefits that can accrue through its implementation,” Masemurule said.

Her message gelled strongly with the one outlined a day earlier by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel , who described renewables and green hydrogen as the emerging energy providers and carriers of the twenty-first century, much as oil and nuclear had been during the twentieth century.

Patel also highlighted South Africa natural resources advantages, notably its solar, wind and platinum group metals (PGMs), arguing that these positioned it well to produce competitively priced green hydrogen through electrolysis – the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.

The Minister spoke as part of the same webinar during which energy and chemicals group Sasol announced two green-hydrogen initiatives: the creation of a consortium comprising Sasol, Linde, ENERTRAG and Navitas, which will bid under the auspices of the German Federal government’s H2Global auction platform to produce sustainable aviation fuel in Secunda, based on green hydrogen; and the formation of a partnership with Toyota to explore the development of a green hydrogen mobility ecosystem in South Africa.

Earlier, the Department of Science and Innovation announced that it was spearheading a feasibility study into a ‘hydrogen valley’, in collaboration with Anglo American, Engie, the South African National Development Institute and Bambili Energy.

Patel also announced that the State-owned Industrial Development Corporation had been mandated to finance green hydrogen projects in South Africa.

Masemurule said that one of the spin-offs from integrating renewable energy into both the country’s power and fuels sectors would be the creation of sufficient local demand for wind and solar photovoltaic components and systems that could spur higher levels of local manufacture and industrialisation.

The HSRM would also seek to build on the Hydrogen South Africa strategy, drafted in 2008, which focused primarily on the opportunities presented by the hydrogen economy for beneficiation the country’s PGMs endowment.

Masemurule said the development of the HSRM was a collaborative, multistakeholder and multidisciplinary endeavour “with the objective of coalescing all efforts towards unlocking the full potential of the country’s hydrogen socioeconomic value”.

More than 50 stakeholders were currently being consulted on the roadmap, a draft of which was likely to be finalised in the coming few months.

In addition, she reported that green hydrogen was featuring in various industrial masterplans that were currently either under development or in implementation, including the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan, the Steel Masterplan and the Automotive Masterplan.

In addition, hydrogen could feature in South Africa’s emerging just transition strategy for energy workers, firms and communities linked it the coal supply chain.

“The South African Renewable Energy Masterplan will include a role for renewables in the fuel sector of the economy,” she reported.

A draft of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan is expected to be published during the first half of 2021.

“So, there are many plans of government that are including hydrogen as an energy carrier for providing energy services.”

ENGIE announces collaboration to carry out the feasibility study on South Africa’s Hydrogen Valley

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 18:24:41 GMT

ENGIE announces collaboration to carry out the feasibility study on South Africa’s Hydrogen Valley

ENGIE, a global reference group in low-carbon energy and services announces today the signing of an agreement together with South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation, South African National Energy Development Institute, Anglo American, one of the world’s leading producers of platinum group metals, and Bambili Energy, the clean energy solutions provider, to carry out a feasibility study to create an “Hydrogen Valley” located on the Bushveld Complex and more broadly around Johannesburg, Mogalakwena and Kwazulu Natal

The first step of the feasibility study, which is carried out by ENGIE Impact, is to identify tangible project opportunities to build hydrogen hubs in this key economic and transport corridor. The project’s objective is to identify up to 3 hydrogen hubs– zones with a high concentration of hydrogen demand, with access to green hydrogen that act as a hydrogen eco-system. Subsequently, a techno-economic analysis will be carried out on each of the hubs to assess the business case for the identified projects, map their potential for positive social impact and define the political and regulatory actions needed to create the conditions for implementation. This study will make recommendations on hydrogen projects in the hydrogen hubs.

Hydrogen is of strategic importance to South Africa. President Ramaphosa highlighted the Hydrogen South Africa Strategy in his recent State of the Nation address, stating that after a decade of research, South Africa is prepared to manufacture hydrogen fuel cells. The hydrogen economy presents an opportunity for South Africa to leverage its platinum resources to develop a domestic hydrogen economy valued at up to $10 billion per year, and to tap into export potential of $100 billion per year.

Initiated as part of a national H2 roadmap, the development of a local hydrogen economy has the potential to have a significant impact in stimulating economic activity, job creation and decarbonisation of the region. This involves the development of new industries, the exploitation of platinum resources as well as taking advantage of the promising private sector initiatives being developed in the territory.

“ENGIE is delighted to be part of the ‘Hydrogen Valley’ study. We are keen to bring our global experts and knowledge encompassing the entire hydrogen value chain to accelerate Hydrogen solutions’ deployment in South Africa and beyond. We believe that renewable hydrogen is key to decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries and will play a fundamental role in the global economy of tomorrow.” says Sebastien Arbola, Executive Vice President in charge of Thermal Generation, Energy Supply activities and Hydrogen and CEO of the business Unit in charge of Middle East, South &Central Asia, Turkey and Africa.

See article link below.

Anglo American Collaboration on Feasibility Study for South Africa's Hydrogen Valley

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 17:36:37 GMT

Anglo American walks into Hydrogen Valley

Anglo American announces a collaboration agreement to complete a feasibility study to develop a “hydrogen valley” anchored in the platinum group metals-rich Bushveld geological area in South Africa. Spearheaded by South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) , the collaboration agreement also includes energy and services company ENGIE , the South African National Development Institute (SANEDI) and clean energy solutions provider Bambili Energy (Bambili) .

The proposed hydrogen valley will stretch approximately 835 kilometres from Anglo American’s Mogalakwena platinum group metals (PGMs) mine near Mokopane in Limpopo province in the north of South Africa, along the industrial and commercial corridor to Johannesburg and to the south coast at Durban.

This collaboration follows the launch in 2020 of the South African Hydrogen Society Roadmap, aimed at integrating hydrogen into the economy by capitalising on the country’s PGMs resources and renewable energy potential to revitalise and decarbonise key industrial sectors. The study will be conducted by ENGIE Impact and will identify tangible opportunities to build hydrogen hubs and explore the potential for green hydrogen production and supply at scale.

Natascha Viljoen, CEO of Anglo American’s PGMs business, commented: “The transition to a low carbon world is an opportunity to drive the development of cleaner technologies, create new industries and employment, and improve people’s lives. Anglo American was an early supporter of the global potential for a hydrogen economy, recognising its role in enabling the shift to greener energy and cleaner transport. Our integrated approach includes investing in new technologies, supporting entrepreneurial projects and advocating for policy frameworks that enable a supportive long-term investment environment for hydrogen to deliver that potential.”

The regional PGMs industry will be central to such a hydrogen valley, with PGMs playing an important role both in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) electrolysis used to produce hydrogen at scale and in fuel cells themselves.

Anglo American is already investing in renewable hydrogen production technology at its Mogalakwena PGMs mine and in the development of hydrogen-powered fuel cell mine haul trucks – the world’s largest to run on hydrogen.

Dr Phil Mjwara, DSI Director-General, said: “The Department’s hydrogen valley partnership with Anglo American, Bambili Energy and ENGIE is an example of leveraging investments made in the Hydrogen South Africa Programme to create mechanisms for the uptake of publicly financed intellectual property. The hydrogen valley is among the projects that will be implemented in partnership with the private sector to support the Platinum Valley Initiative, which is aimed at supporting small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME) to take advantage of opportunities in the green economy in support of a just transition.”

The public-private partnership is aligned to the Government’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plans for South Africa, with science, technology and innovation playing a key role in supporting the country’s plans to revitalise its economy.

Sebastien Arbola, ENGIE Executive Vice President in charge of Thermal Generation and Energy Supply activities, said: “ENGIE is delighted to be part of the hydrogen valley study. We are keen to share our knowledge and expertise encompassing the entire hydrogen value chain to accelerate hydrogen solutions' deployment in South Africa and beyond. We already have a demonstration project under way to supply the hydrogen for the world’s first hydrogen mining truck being developed by Anglo American at the Mogalakwena PGMs mine.

“We believe that renewable hydrogen is key to decarbonising hard-to-abate industries and will play a fundamental role in the global economy of tomorrow. We look forward to once again joining forces with Anglo American to contribute to South Africa's energy transition and the country's economic recovery plan.”

Zanele Mavuso Mbatha, CEO Bambili Energy, said: “The initiative to develop the South African hydrogen valley and the collaboration between Bambili, Anglo American, ENGIE and the South African government is significant as it will build material public awareness, confidence and support for the hydrogen economy. This collaboration is illustrative of Bambili’s view that a public-private partnership is critical in the development of this industry in the South African economy.”

Anglo American’s support for the adoption of hydrogen solutions in transport

Electric vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells offer many benefits to the transport sector, including comparable refuelling times to internal combustion engine vehicles, long ranges and space and weight efficiency.

Anglo American is leading initiatives to promote the adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for commercial uses in particular, facilitating the creation of consortia to promote the development of hydrogen freight corridors in a number of geographies, including the UK, South Africa and China. These projects aim to accelerate the uptake of heavy-duty FCEVs by aligning end-user demand locations and specifications with the supply of suitable vehicles and access to the requisite hydrogen infrastructure along key freight routes.

Anglo American takes an active role in several industry-led platforms established to facilitate the advancement of hydrogen solutions in key industry sectors. These include the Hydrogen Council, a global CEO-led initiative of 100+ leading companies with a united and long-term vision to develop the hydrogen economy; the UK H2Mobility consortium, established to facilitate dialogue on hydrogen mobility in the UK; the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association, created under the guidance of China’s Society of Automotive Engineers to advance fuel cell scalable applications.

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Bambili Energy confirms Hydrogen Fuel Cell manufacturing plan at students' graduation

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 08:59:03 GMT

S outh African hydrogen energy company Bambili Energy CEO Zanele Mavuso Mbatha has confirmed that her company will start production of hydrogen fuel cells next year. She was addressing a graduation ceremony on Thursday for students who had completed a six-week training course to skill them in the installation, operation and maintenance of hydrogen fuel cells.

She also announced that her company and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (Ewseta) had cooperated to select a number of the course graduates for one-year internships at Bambili next year. When the company’s manufacturing facility was inaugurated later next year, it would be possible to offer them, and perhaps other course graduates, full-time jobs, as the company would have to recruit staff for the facility.

The training course was an idea that Bambili had proposed to the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). She praised the DSI for being open to new ideas and described the partnership between the company and the department as “phenomenal” .

Developing and implementing the training course required the creation of “some amazing partnerships”, she highlighted. In addition to Bambili, the DSI and Ewseta, the partnership involved the DSI’s Hydrogen South Africa programme (better known as HySA), the South African National Energy Development Institute, and the University of Pretoria.

The programme provided training for currently unemployed graduates from technical and vocational education and training colleges. The trainees all had N4- or N6-level qualifications in chemical and electrical engineering.

“Johannesburg is considered to be one of the largest man-made urban forests in the world,” observed Mbatha. This reflected the foresight and determination of people many years ago. She then used this as a metaphor for the graduating students, saying that they were the “trees” from which the future “forest” of a new industry would be formed.

She affirmed that the significance of the training they had received was not so much about what they had learned but about the mindset that had hopefully been created in them. She assured them that they had phenomenal careers ahead of them, as they drove a new industry. The intent was to create a hydrogen economy in South Africa.

Editor: Rebecca Campbell

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UP partners with Bambili, EWSeta, DSI to train graduates on fuel cell systems

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 10:48:00 GMT

UP partners with Bambili, EWSeta, DSI to train graduates on fuel cell systems

The University of Pretoria (UP) will, for the next month, provide training for technical and vocational education and training college graduates on hydrogen fuel cell systems.

The training, which is provided in partnership with Bambili Energy, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and the Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSeta), is expected to end on December 11.

UP electrical engineering department head Raj Naidoo says the university aims to develop competent, capable and work-ready technicians for the deployment, installation and maintenance of hydrogen fuel cell systems in South Africa and beyond.

Addressing a virtual event held to officially launch the training, Higher Education, Science and Technology Deputy Minister Buti Manamela said fuel cells were expected to play a significant role in providing energy to buildings and in off-grid electrification, particularly in areas where grid extension was not economically viable.

To address these markets, capabilities need to be built to support the local manufacturing of the technologies, as well as their deployment in the various applications.

“Having local skills to install, operate and maintain the fuel cell systems is critical. The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) views this as an opportunity that can be filled by graduates at N4 to N6 levels with electrical and chemical engineering qualifications,” Manamela stated.

“UP supports human capital development,” said Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology Professor Sunil Maharaj.

“We are honoured to launch this event. UP is part of the energy space in the country in both demand-side management and energy efficiency, covering solar, nuclear, other renewables and now hydrogen. We are humbled to be partnering with Bambili Energy.”

Referring to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Maharaj said humankind needed to save the planet especially in terms of mitigating climate change and transitioning to clean energy for sustainable living.

“We all need to work together to make this planet a safer place for the next generation and UP is grateful to walk this journey with all the partners, ranging from government, State-owned enterprises and industry to original-equipment manufacturers and the sector education and training authorities.”

DSI deputy director-general Dr. Mmboneni Muofhe said the training was being funded by the EWSeta and DSI as part of implementing the Cabinet-approved Hydrogen South Africa Strategy through a 15-year research, development and innovation programme.

This programme is aimed at developing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, with a focus on beneficiating the platinum group metals resource base that South Africa possesses. The programme is therefore an important pillar in positioning South Africa as part of the emerging global hydrogen economy.

The DSI selected Bambili Energy to facilitate the training, which complements the demonstration of 15 hydrogen fuel cell systems in South Africa. Currently, seven of these fuel cell systems are operational at a military hospital, in Pretoria, as Covid-19-related support provided by government.

Bambili CEO Zanele Mavuso noted that it had been "an incredible journey of planning and organising for the launch of this training" and that the goal was to ensure that, by completion of training, graduates would be effectively knowledgeable about the fuel cell industry, the hydrogen economy and renewable energy, and, most importantly, have the ability to fuel and maintain fuel cell systems.

EDITED BY: CHANEL DE BRUYN

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Hydrogen-linked Platinum Valley Corridor Project Under Way

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 14:03:46 GMT

Hydrogen-linked Platinum Valley Corridor Project under way – Nzimande

JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – A Platinum Valley Corridor Project being developed as part of South Africa’s economic recovery was outlined by Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande on Wednesday.

Taking part in the third Hydrogen Energy Ministerial meeting held virtually, Nzimande described the platinum corridor initiative in a global YouTube video message as an economic industrial project that would start in the Limpopo’s platinum group metals mining area and extend to two of South Africa’s major international airports.
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The Platinum Valley Corridor Project was, he told the 50 global energy leaders taking part in the discussion on the role of hydrogen in the global economy, South Africa’s version of the Hydrogen Valley – a reference to the Netherlands’ Hydrogen Valley Project which has been approved by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking of the European Commission.

Nzimande said that the South African platinum corridor would:

    Identify concrete project opportunities to kickstart South Africa’s hydrogen activities;
    Lead to the valorisation of platinum reserves in the region; and
    Contribute to South Africa’s decarbonisation efforts.

He paid tribute to the Japanese government for providing the invitation to issue the video message on a platform that encouraged countries worldwide to promote global utilisation of hydrogen as well as facilitate, in a synergised manner, collaboration amongst countries.

He recalled that South Africa, as a member of the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) since 2009, had successfully hosted the seventeenth IPHE in May 2012 in Cape Town as well as the thirtieth IPHE in December 2018 in Pretoria. South Africa, he said, had also participated in the steering committee of the atlas of green hydrogen generation potentials programme.

He noted that during Covid-19 hydrogen had been a game-changer in South Africa’s efforts to respond to the pandemic and remained critical for South Africa’s economic recovery. This was a reference to South Africa’s private sector, in partnership with Hydrogen South Africa, which forms part of the Department of Science and Innovation, ensuring that hydrogen fuel cell systems provided electricity to temporary field hospitals and medical facilities in support of Covid patients.

Mining Weekly can report that seven prototype containerised hydrogen fuel cells, produced by South African hydrogen energy company Bambili Energy, which is headed by CEO Zanele Mavuso Mbatha, were used to power 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria, as part of the government’s response to the pandemic. Bambili produced five of the fuel cells in a technology partnership with Singapore company Horizon and US enterprise Element One, and two of the fuel cells in cooperation with Powercell Sweden. Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity by means of a chemical reaction, using hydrogen as the basic fuel, together with platinum-based catalysts. The field hospital fuel cell initiative was supported by Air Products, Protea Chemicals and Sasol, as part of a public-private partnership.

Nzimande said the benefits of South Africa’s triple helix model of innovation, embracing universities, industry and government, facilitated a rapid response to the government’s Covid request and allowed the partners jointly to develop an innovative solution to the country’s energy challenge, making it evident that tackling this unprecedented challenge required a systems approach and the mobilisation of stakeholders from various sectors to respond in a concerted effort.

“As part of supporting our economic recovery, we are hard at work to ensure that we fully participate in the establishment of the Platinum Valley Corridor. This corridor will be the economic industrial project which will start in the Limpopo province in a platinum group metals mining area. It includes the Limpopo Province Science and Technology Park and will run through the Johannesburg-to-Durban corridor, that is, through the OR Tambo International Airport to King Shaka International Airport,” Nzimande revealed.

The use of hydrogen fuel cells technologies in the Platinum Valley would, he said, showcase their ability to support the sustainable extraction, processing and recycling of minerals and metals needed to secure supply for low-carbon technologies, by minimising the climate and environmental footprints of these technologies, including hydrogen fuel cell technologies, throughout their value chain.

“As South Africa, we’ve also embarked on a process to develop a hydrogen society roadmap that sets out a vision for an inclusive hydrogen society in South Africa to enable the development of a compact between government, industry, labour and communities.

“This process has brought together participants from over 50 companies, industry associations and parastatals to develop a multi-stakeholder compact that identifies enabling levers within all the participating stakeholders,” Nzimande said.

The hydrogen society roadmap would, he added, assist government and industry stakeholders to put in place a policy framework to promote the exploitation of the benefits that hydrogen provided, through its integration into the various sectors of the economy.

The framework would leverage on the existing government policies as well as identify gaps within the regulatory regime that needed to be addressed to enable the widespread use of hydrogen in South African society.

In addition, the framework would also leverage on the successes achieved through the Hydrogen South Africa Research Development, an innovation programme to transition from the research, development and demonstration phase into the commercial phase, which would lead to the ultimate attainment of South Africa’s economic and social goals and objectives.

Nzimande further committed South Africa to continue its participation in relevant global and regional forums that sought to promote the use of hydrogen and fuel cells and other cleaner forms of energy.

Participating countries and their representatives taking part in the third Hydrogen Energy Ministerial event included:
・Argentina (Dr Javier Papa, Secretariat of Energy);
・Australia (Angus Taylor, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction);
・Brunei Darussalam (Dato Seri Setia, Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny Bin Haji Mohd Hussein, Minister of Energy);
・Canada (Paul Lefebvre, Parliamentary Secretary);
・European Commission (Kadri Simson, Commissioner for Energy);
・France (Laurent Michel, General Director for Energy and Climate, Ministry of Ecological Transition);
・Germany (Andreas Feicht, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy);
・Hydrogen Council (Pierre-Etienne Franc, Secretary);
・International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE);

・United States (Daniel Simmons, IPHE Chairperson, US);
・International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) (Francesco La Camera, Director General);
・Netherlands (Eric Wiebes, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy);
・New Zealand (Dr Megan Woods, Minister of Energy and Resources);
・Norway (Tina Bru, Minister of Petroleum and Energy);
・Oman (Dr Mohammed Al Rumhi, Minister of Energy and Minerals);
・Poland (Michał Kurtyka, Minister of Climate and Environment);
・Poland (Jan Staniłko, Director of Innovation Department, Ministry of Economic Development, Labour and Technology);
・Portugal (João Pedro Matos Fernandes, Minister for the Environment and Climate Action);
・Russian Federation (P. Sorokin, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation);
・Singapore (Dr Tan See Leng, Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Trade and Industry, and Second Minister for Manpower);
・United Arab Emirates (Suhail Mohamed AlMazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure); and
・United Kingdom (Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Minister of State (Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth).

Mining Weekly can report that hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonising the transport sector and that the Fuel Cell-Powered Mobility Platform has expressed the intention to share latest actions and initiatives to promote deployment of fuel-cell electric vehicles and hydrogen refuelling stations, with particular focus on the use of fuel cells and hydrogen in commercial vehicles that are increasingly attracting global attention.

Participating companies in the fuel cell-powered mobility platform taking part in the third Hydrogen Energy Ministerial event included:
・Ballard Power Systems（Randy MacEwen, CEO);
・Bosch Corporation（Klaus Meder, president and representative director);
・Iwatani Corporation（Akiji Makino, chairman and CEO);
・Japan Bank for International Cooperation (Tadashi Maeda, Governor);
・Linde Engineering（Dr Alexander Unterschütz, senior VP components - member of the executive leadership team);
・Michelin (Fabio Ferrari, Hydrogen Mobility Business Venture director and former CEO of Symbio);
・Mitsui & Company（Toru Matsui, managing officer, COO, Energy Solutions Business Unit); and
・Toyota Motor Corporation (Takeshi Uchiyamada, chairperson of the board).

Edited by: Creamer Media Reporter

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Fuel cell technology now powering military field hospital in Pretoria

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 19:53:55 GMT

Fuel cell technology now powering military field hospital in Pretoria

South African hydrogen energy company Bambili Energy will be able to start delivering production hydrogen fuel cells during next year, company CEO Zanele Mavuso Mbatha tells Engineering News. Seven prototype containerised hydrogen fuel cells produced by the company are now being used to power a field hospital at 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria. This field hospital was set up as part of the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The official launch of the fuel cell power plant at the 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria took place on Wednesday. Bambili was set up to focus on the hydrogen economy, manufacturing fuel cell systems, and to also facilitate the commercialisation of intellectual property (IP) developed by the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) programme. HySA is an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and was launched in 2007.

Five of the fuel cells have been produced by Bambili in a technology partnership with Singapore company Horizon and US enterprise Element One. Horizon is a specialist fuel cell company while Element One manufactures reformers. The remaining two fuel cells have been produced in cooperation with Powercell Sweden.

“I wanted to be able to use the best technology and manufacture fuel cells in South Africa,” she explains. “The best in class [technology] internationally and the best in class in South Africa.”

The field hospital fuel cell initiative is also being supported by Air Products, Protea Chemicals and Sasol, making it a public-private partnership. Sasol will be donating 10 000 litres of methanol and 600 kg of hydrogen every month to ‘feed’ the fuel cells. Air Products and Protea Chemicals will be providing logistical (delivery) support. On the public side, in addition to the DSI, the initiative also involves the Department of Defence and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

“Hydrogen fuel cell technology is globally recognised for its potential to decarbonise the energy and transport sectors,” highlighted the DSI in its statement. “Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity by means of chemical reaction, using hydrogen as the basic fuel together with platinum-based catalysts. They are efficient, reliable, safe and quiet, ensuring a non-intrusive standby and primary power solution.”

Mavuso Mbatha’s background lies in the platinum group metals (PGMs) sector. “I was interested in the beneficiation of platinum,” she explains. “Hydrogen fuel cells are the beneficiation of PGMs.” Bambili Energy was set up three years ago.

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COVID-19 field hospital run on hydrogen power

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 18:29:10 GMT

A new hydrogen fuel cell system by Bambili Energy

PRETORIA - A new hydrogen fuel cell system is wholly responsible for powering a COVID-19 field hospital at Pretoria's One Military hospital, and government is planning to expand the initiative.

Local company Bambili Energy constructed this clean energy system to be the sole source of power for the field hospital and it can provide uninterrupted electricity for up to two years.

Bambili Energy CEO Zanele Mbatha said fuel cell systems are highly reliable.

"We guarantee that they’re available 99.98 percent of the time. We are so confident that we’re using them today to run on a primary power basis, for a field hospital that has high care and ICU, so those are patients that need guaranteed power.”

This new tech, however, does not come cheap.

Phil Mjwara, the director-general at the Science and Innovation Department said it depends on how you price.

"At the moment the fuel cell is R13-million but what is the cost of having lives that are not saved if you don’t have power. Also, the idea is to get revenue out of this when they are exported.”

But before government and Bambili sells overseas, they plan on installing similar systems in rural towns in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape next year.

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Bambili Energy Supplies Hydrogen Fuel Cells to 1 Military Hospital in South Africa

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 08:35:35 GMT

Seven hydrogen fuel cell systems produced by South African hydrogen fuel cell specialist Bambili Energy have been deployed at 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, to assist government in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bambili Energy focuses on the hydrogen economy, providing solutions to complement various forms of alternative energy. The project is a public-private partnership between Bambili; specialist fuel cell technology company HyPlat; the Department of Science and Innovation; the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Defence.

Bambili produced five of the hydrogen fuel cell systems currently utilized at 1 Military Hospital with Singapore-based fuel cell manufacturer Horizon Fuel Cell Technology and U.S. based methanol reformer manufacturer, Element 1 Corporation; and two fuel cell systems with Swedish fuel cell stacks and systems developer Powercell Sweden.

“We are excited to lead the deployment of the fuel cell systems to 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria to complement the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is also an opportunity to demonstrate the potential role alternative energy sources can play in our everyday lives, given South Africa’s growing energy challenges,” says Nyonga Fofang, Managing Director of Bambili Group.

He adds that the growth of the sector also stands to have a material impact on the economy, particularly in regards to employment creation and the development of complementary industries.

“Bambili Energy believes this collaboration between the public and private sector further illustrates the importance attached to the development of the hydrogen economy in South Africa,” Fofang notes.

Globally, hydrogen fuel cells are increasingly being recognized as a clean energy technology suitable for both mobile and stationary applications. Hydrogen fuel cells combined with renewable energy have the ability to decarbonize both the energy and transport markets, significantly adding to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Other advantages of hydrogen fuel cells include their versatile design, as well as their ability to take a variety of fuel sources from which hydrogen can be produced, allowing them to be moved quickly from one phase to another. For these reasons, fuel cells may play an important role in disaster management and the distribution of energy in remote areas.

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Bambili to play a key role in South Africa’s hydrogen future

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 18:53:32 GMT

South Africa's Hydrogen Future

Bambili Energy, part of South African investment firm Bambili Group, has said it will provide guidance on accelerating the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technologies in South Africa.

To further strengthen Bambili’s hydrogen efforts, South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), has also invited the hydrogen fuel cell specialist, along with other companies present in the sector, to participate in the South African Hydrogen Society Roadmap development.

The roadmap is seen as South Africa’s pathway towards its vision of integrating hydrogen within its economy, motivated by the benefits that would occur as a result. The DSI, along with an interdepartmental committee, is currently working to develop the map.

“As a valued key stakeholder, the Bambili Group’s contribution and participation is vital given the potential impact that they hydrogen economy could have on South Africa’s economic recovery post-COVID-19,” said Phil Mjwara, Director-General of the DSI, in a letter to Executive Chairperson of Bambili Group Zanele Mavuso Mbatha.

The DSI is currently implementing the cabinet-approved Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) strategy through the fifteen-year research, development and innovation HySA Programme, which is aimed at developing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

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