South Africa now boasts the most progressive fuel cell company in the world, CHEM ENERGY, a subsidiary of CHEM Corporation; a Taiwanese conglomerate announces the opening of its $200 million fuel cell production factory in South Africa’s Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone.
CHEM Energy completed its state of the art fuel cell factory on schedule at the end of March, pausing full operations in accordance with the national shutdown to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, while continuing to support its installed systems throughout the Vodacom network.
As visiting KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ms. Nomusa Dube-Ncube, noted during her tour, “This represents a milestone accomplishment for foreign investment and we are excited to team up with CHEM and industry to help rapidly expand the adoption of this important technology and the growth of highly skilled jobs in this new industry sector.”
“With this technology, South Africa now has the capability to ensure its cellular networks are protected against load shedding at a critical time during this pandemic when reliable communications are of the highest importance in the battle against the deadly COVID-19 virus,” said Hal Koyama, Director of CHEM Energy. “These fuel cells enable immediate and rapid deployment to rural areas to provide power to villages, clinics, schools and informal settlements, where the grid is not available.”
The new factory at the Dube TradePort is CHEM’s flagship for its newest fuel cell product, the G5, and is the most advanced fuel cell factory of its kind in the world.
“Fuel cells are no longer a thing for the future. South Africa can ensure a reliable communications network and power to everyone, anywhere, anytime, without importing polluting diesel generators, diesel fuel, and batteries today, using fuel cells and fuel made in South Africa, by South Africans, and playing a key role in rebuilding the economy,” explains CHEM Energy President, Angelin Maharaj.
“Having a fuel cell manufacturer within Dube TradePort opens the door for South Africa to ultimately establish local supply chains that service this type of high-tech manufacturing.” noted Hamish Erskine, CEO, Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone “The potential universal application of fuel cell technology will undoubtedly power the next wave of development from telecommunications to the automotive sector. We are proud to have CHEM Energy located within our precinct.”
With over $200 million invested and over 300 patents CHEM Corporation brings a hydrogen and fuel cell technology portfolio that can serve as a cornerstone for a complete eco-system of hydrogen infrastructure, and fuel cell stationary power and transportation.
Source: KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism And Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube
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