According to the National Development Plan, education is key to building a better South Africa and bridging the divide of inequality. It is only through education that we can start building a stronger, healthier and more enlightened nation. One of the many challenges thousands of schools across the country have is that they don’t have access to electricity.
Through the power of platinum-based fuel cells, and in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), we’re helping to electrify three schools in the Cofimvaba Schools District in the Eastern Cape.
Adding to this, we’re also running an education programme at these schools to help improve levels of education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI) – an area where South Africa needs a considerable boost.
Here’s a quick outline to explain a bit more about this project and what we’re trying to achieve.
What is this project all about?
This project is about providing back-up power and at certain times, primary power to three schools for the Information Communications and Technology equipment as well as charging of electronic devices. On top of providing electricity to the schools, the goal of this project is to discover how new technologies, such as WiFi, content servers, tablets and the likes, can aide teaching and learning in a rural areas, especially when it comes to mathematics, science and technology. The fuel cell component of the project started in 2014 and will run for three years.
Who is involved and why are partnerships like this so important?
This project, a partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), really demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships and its importance when exploring new technologies to help the country. We believe that, through these partnerships, we can make a significant contribution to South Africa’s development. We have also forged various other partnerships in job creation, education and training, healthcare provision, infrastructure with the purpose of helping to take the country forward.
What part does Anglo American Platinum play in all this?
Our Platinum business, also known as Amplats sponsored three fuel cell systems which have been supplied, commissioned and will be operated and maintained by Clean Energy Investments ( a South African company co-owned by the DST & Amplats). Air Products is supplying the hydrogen fuel requirements. Amplats has also designed and sponsored a Fuel Cell Education Initiative for learners at the schools together with the Young Engineers and Scientists of Africa (YESA) and South African Agency for Science & Technology Advancement (SAASTA).
Why did you choose the Cofimvaba Schools District for this project considering that Anglo American has no operations there?
The mining industry has a long history of employing people who come from areas outside of the mine operations. While these areas may not be close to our operations they are still labour sending areas and we are just as committed to these communities as we are to the ones around our operations. The Eastern Cape is one of these areas, which is also one of the reasons why we’re proud to be involved in this project.
What's involved in this Fuel Cells Education Initiative?
We need to raise awareness of the science and technology of fuels cells and renewable energy. By using a combination of theory with practical demonstrations, learners are able to see the fuel cell in action with education kits manufactured by Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies and funded by Amplats.
The lessons are conducted by Dr Ron Beyers, Director of YESA and lecturer at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
The education initiative highlights the role and importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI) and inspires learners to pursue careers in these fields.
What exactly is a platinum-based hydrogen fuel cell?
Hydrogen is an energy carrier and since it makes up around 75% of the known universe, it is the key to a future of sustainable energy. When used in a fuel cell, it generates electricity through a chemical reaction – creating energy much more efficiently than the chemicals used in the petrol of your standard generator.
Since platinum is one of the most effective and durable catalysts that enables chemical reactions, it plays an important role in this fuel cell technology.
