Johannesburg,– The development of a green hydrogen economy in South Africa took a significant step forward with a collaboration between Anglo American Platinum, BMW Group South Africa, and Sasol South Africa. The partnership aims to conduct a trial of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, says Minerals Council South Africa.
As countries globally strive to reduce their environmental footprints by cutting greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change, green hydrogen becomes increasingly important in the transition to cleaner energy sources.
For South Africa, the largest supplier of platinum group metals (PGMs), the use of green hydrogen in the automotive sector is a pivotal development. It could generate demand for up to 5 million ounces of PGMs annually if hydrogen fuel cells account for 10% of the global car market. This development could secure jobs for the 175,000 people employed in the PGM mining sector.
In 2022, South Africa’s production of PGMs amounted to 269.5 tonnes, a 5.5% drop from the 285.3 tonnes recorded in 2021. Export volumes for the six metals comprising PGMs fell nearly 13% to 230.7 tonnes in 2022, down from 264.6 tonnes in the previous year. Local sales volumes increased by 24% to 15.7 tonnes in 2022, up from 12.6 tonnes in 2021.
PGMs have various applications, including in auto catalysts, industrial processes, and jewelry. They are also an essential investment option. PGMs play a role in the electrolysis of water to separate hydrogen and oxygen and in hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity.
As the world reduces its reliance on fossil fuels, fewer vehicles will use petrol and diesel engines, which require PGMs in autocatalytic systems to remove pollutants. For South Africa’s PGM sector, the green hydrogen economy offers a vital market for their metals to contribute to environmental sustainability.
The Minerals Council and its members are in the early phases of a project to explore the role the local mining industry can play in South Africa’s emerging green hydrogen economy and promote the use of PGMs.
The collaboration between Anglo American Platinum, BMW, and Sasol is a milestone for the industry. The hydrogen fuel cell-powered BMW iX5 Hydrogen will undergo real-world testing. Anglo American Platinum will supply the PGMs used to create hydrogen and convert it into electricity, while Sasol will provide green hydrogen and the mobile refueling system.
This project follows the recent launch of the world’s largest mine haul truck with a 290-tonne payload by Anglo American at the Mogalakwena platinum mine in Limpopo. Sasol produced its first green hydrogen at its Sasolburg facility in June.
Green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy sources, can power heavy-duty transport, aviation, shipping, and industrial processes like steel, cement, and chemical manufacturing. It has the potential to play a major role in South Africa’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
