JSE-listed power and chemical substances group Sasol has, in collaboration with its public-sector and tutorial companions, commissioned a 2 kW proton change membrane (PEM) electrolyser system on the firm’s Analysis and Know-how (R&T) campus, in Sasolburg, within the Free State.
Over and above Sasol’s contribution, the electrolyser was developed with contributions from the Division of Science, Know-how and Innovation’s (DSTI’s) Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) programme in partnership with the South African Nationwide Power Improvement Institute (SANEDI) and the North-West College.
Every of the stakeholders have been unanimous in stating that this method will present a platform for testing hydrogen manufacturing applied sciences, evaluating regionally developed electrolyser know-how beneath variable renewable power situations and supporting native abilities growth.
Addressing delegates at a launch occasion on July 31, Science, Know-how and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande stated the venture underscored the strategic relationship between South Africa’s essential minerals and the nation’s clear power ambitions.
“The connection between essential minerals, beneficiation and inexperienced hydrogen within the context of the DSTI’s Renewable Power agenda is essential.
“Central to the deployment of this 2 kW PEM electrolyser system is the beneficiation of essential minerals, notably platinum group metals. These minerals are key to fuelling industries of the long run and our goal is to make sure South Africa turns into a serious participant in key upstream, midstream and downstream components of those future industries,” he stated.
The Minister added that the venture would generate the information required to assist the commercialisation and wider deployment of inexperienced hydrogen applied sciences in South Africa.
“We’re assured that the information and insights generated by means of this method will assist us transfer nearer to extra environment friendly, commercially aggressive, scaled manufacturing of inexperienced hydrogen, develop our export portfolio and stimulate [the] home [use] of inexperienced hydrogen in assist of a net-zero financial future,” Nzimande stated.
In his deal with, the Minister additionally burdened that science, know-how and innovation ought to be positioned on the centre of industrialisation and financial growth, arguing that South Africa ought to leverage its essential mineral endowment to construct home manufacturing functionality and transfer additional up world worth chains as a substitute of remaining largely an exporter of uncooked supplies.
He additional emphasised the significance of collaboration between authorities, {industry} and analysis establishments in translating scientific analysis into commercially viable applied sciences.
In the meantime, Sasol Enterprise Constructing, Technique and Know-how EVP Dr Sarushen Pillay stated the commissioning of the electrolyser demonstrated the progress that may be achieved by means of collaboration between the private and non-private sectors.
“This commissioning is a strong instance of what could be achieved when authorities, academia and {industry} work collectively to advance South Africa’s future power safety.
“As Sasol, we’re excited to associate with the DSTI, SANEDI and the North-West College in turning South Africa’s inexperienced hydrogen ambitions into sensible functionality.”
He famous that hydrogen would play an more and more vital position in producing lower-carbon fuels and chemical substances and that the brand new facility would offer an industrial platform for advancing regionally developed hydrogen applied sciences.
“Hydrogen is a vital constructing block for producing sustainable fuels and chemical substances, and this programme offers a singular industrial platform to advance regionally developed electrolyser know-how.
“The truth that this electrolyser was constructed by HySA right here in South Africa and might be examined at Sasol’s industry-leading R&T campus in Sasolburg is a big milestone for South Africa’s hydrogen panorama,” he stated.
Throughout his deal with, Pillay additionally highlighted South Africa’s aggressive benefits within the hydrogen economic system, together with its renewable power assets, industrial capabilities and Sasol’s long-standing expertise in hydrogen manufacturing.
He argued {that a} continued collaboration between authorities, {industry} and academia could be important to growing native applied sciences, constructing abilities and creating an ecosystem able to supporting future hydrogen worth chains.
The commissioning types a part of the DSTI’s Hydrogen South Africa programme, which goals to strengthen native analysis, innovation and mental property growth whereas accelerating the commercialisation of hydrogen applied sciences to assist South Africa’s power transition and industrial progress.
