MINISTER DAVIES LAUNCHES PLATINUM POWER FUEL CELL

MINISTER DAVIES LAUNCHES PLATINUM POWER FUEL CELL

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies launched Africa’s first ever 100 kilowatt fuel cell that runs on platinum and natural gas at the Chamber of Mines.

Platinum Power Fuel Cell that was installed at the Chamber of Mines offices in Johanneburg, is Africa’s first ever building baseload fuel cell that runs on natural gas and will see South Africa gain entry into the manufacturing and distribution of fuel cell components.

Platinum Power Fuel Cell is a joint project between the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) through a financial injection of R7,5 million for feasibility work of the project and Mitochondria, the energy company that received loan financing to the tune of R3,25 million from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

Speaking at the launch, Minister Davies said that being a depository of the world’s 80% of the platinum resource and one of its major producers puts South Africa at the flagship to developing fuel cell technology.

“It also answers to the demand and it enhances opportunities for those in the mining industry. The real value chain is by being involved in value addition through beneficiation. We believe that there is no reason why South Africa cannot become a significant player in the manufacture of fuel cell generators using the platinum that we have in abundance in our country. It is for that reason that we have been looking at ways we can add value to our resources as a driver of industrial development in our country,” said Davies.

Davies added that the Platinum Power Fuel Cell technology takes the country to the top of the value chain where “we would be able to establish small plants like this one providing power in outlying areas and areas where it is difficult to connect people to the grid,”

He added the dti was contemplating the development of a platinum based Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

“We also have a range of incentive programmes in place. Our team is available to discuss with this industry on establishing a plant in South Africa and on ways that government can support and encourage this very important technologically leading value addition to our platinum reserves, he said.