South Africa has the potential to be a leader in the fuel cell industry through a technology partnership between government and the private sector.

Speaking at the launch of the Global Business Day in Durban, a COP17 event, Anglo American Chief Executive Cynthia Carroll highlighted the benefits for South Africa if the potential of fuel cells were realised, but stressed the need to accelerate the commercialisation of the industry.

“Prioritising the development of a local fuel cell industry will create many thousands of jobs, provide clean, reliable power for South Africa, and will support the government’s drive for more effective in-country beneficiation. Momentum is building in the global fuel cell market to accelerate the application of this proven and versatile technology. To make South Africa a truly global player, the focus now must be to promote a strong, viable local manufacturing industry that supports the everyday use of fuel cell technology,” Cynthia Carroll said.

“South Africa is in a unique position to reap significant benefits from a local fuel cell market. There is strong political support for local beneficiation and clean energy programmes. Fuel cell demonstration projects are under way around the country and it has the necessary manufacturing and engineering expertise. The window of opportunity to make this happen is now,” Cynthia Carroll said.

Fuel cells are a proven technology, providing clean, reliable and cost-effective power. Platinum-based fuel cells that use hydrogen are versatile, scalable and convert stored hydrogen into electricity with great efficiency.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is one of the challenges of this century. We have to harness the potential of proven renewable technology now in order to accelerate our move into a low carbon economy and we see platinum-based fuel cells playing a significant role,” said Neville Nicolau, Chief Executive Officer of Anglo American Platinum Limited.

A Carbon Trust report, commissioned by Anglo American, into the potential of fuel cells for South Africa has informed this view. According to the report, hundreds of thousands of new jobs in South Africa could be created over the next 30 years provided the appropriate levels of investment in innovation, manufacturing, installation and maintenance are made. In addition, the deployment of stationary fuel cells could help meet the country’s existing energy security challenges, providing rural communities with access to energy without major grid expansion.

The Carbon Trust report provides a roadmap to 2030, outlining how South Africa can best develop the fuel cell industry. Better articulating the vision and commitment to long-term investment, appointing a government champion to drive commercialisation, and securing international financial assistance are among the recommendations.

The Global Business Day launch was hosted by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and sponsored by Anglo American. The event was supported by the South African government as part of COP17.

Media
South Africa
Pranill Ramchander
Tel: +27 (0)11 638 2592

Hulisani Rasivhaga
Tel: +27 (0)11 638 4401  

Notes to editors:
Anglo American plc is one of the world’s largest mining companies, is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Anglo American’s portfolio of mining businesses spans bulk commodities – iron ore and manganese, metallurgical coal and thermal coal; base metals – copper and nickel; and precious metals and minerals – in which it is a global leader in both platinum and diamonds.  Anglo American is committed to the highest standards of safety and responsibility across all its businesses and geographies and to making a sustainable difference in the development of the communities around its operations. The company’s mining operations and extensive pipeline of growth projects are located in southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America and Asia. www.angloamerican.com

Further information about Anglo American and platinum-based fuel cells

• Anglo American has been working with key stakeholders including the South African government to develop the market for platinum-based fuel cells since its platinum business launched its beneficiation strategy in 2009
• As well as investigating ways to use fuel cells within its own business, Anglo American is encouraging the development of a local industry for fuel cells through a R100 million fund to support South African businesses that use platinum group metals in their products.
• Anglo American has installed a 150 kilowatt hydrogen fuel-cell which is providing base load electricity to the national grid in support of the Climate Change Response Expo in Durban.
• The global market for platinum is seven million ounces a year. Of this, one million ounces is from the recycling of auto catalysts. The remaining six million ounces is the result of mining, of which Anglo American’s annual production is 2.5 million ounces.
• About 85% of the world’s platinum is produced in southern Africa. Anglo American produces more than 40% of the world’s primary platinum and has access to more than 35% of the world’s platinum reserves and resources.
• The Carbon Trust is a UK-based non-profit company that helps companies cut carbon emissions and commercialise low carbon technology. www.carbontrust.co.uk