The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in South Africa has invited hydrogen fuel cell specialist, Bambili Energy, and other willing and qualified companies to participate in the South African Hydrogen Society Roadmap.

The process for the roadmap started last month and will run for six to twelve months. The DSI, formally known as the Department of Science and Technology, with the support of an interdepartmental committee is working towards the development of a Hydrogen Society Roadmap for the country.

The Roadmap is South Africa’s process of integrating hydrogen within its economy to massively benefit from it.

Bambili Energy is a major player in the development of the fuel cell industry in South Africa to ensure beneficiation of the country’s Platinum Group Metals (PGMs). It is also developing a Hydrogen Valley in the country. The energy firm will actively engage with a top consulting firm to guide the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technologies in the country.

The South African cabinet approved the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) strategy through a 15-years research, development and innovation HySA program. The program aims to develop hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and to benefit from the country’s PGMs resource base.

In a letter to the Executive Chairperson of Bambili Group, Zanele Mavuso Mbatha, by the Director-General of the DSI, Phy Mjwara, it read “As a valued key stakeholder, the Bambili Group’s contribution and participation is vital given the potential impact that the hydrogen economy could have on South Africa’s economic recovery post-COVID-19. In addition, the use of platinum group metals (PGMs) based value-added components in hydrogen and fuel cell technology has the potential to increase the demand for PGMs and local beneficiation.”

During the budget vote for the Department that took place on Friday, 24th July 2020, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Honourable Blade Nzimiande, said the department is working to ensure its full participation in the establishment of a Platinum Valley economic industrial project which is to cover the Tambo International Airport to King Shaka Airport.

The Minister said, “This special economic zone will contribute to energy security in the automotive, materials handling, mining, and electrification industries, while contributing to the beneficiation of platinum group metals.”