Anglo American aims for green with Bambili’s hydrogen fuel cell power
Class XIII Akani Fellow Zanele Mavuso Mbatha’s Bambili Energy has embarked on a groundbreaking venture, partnering with Anglo American, independent power producer Engie and the South African government. Their shared vision involves conducting techno-economic analyses for hydrogen fuel cell-related projects, a novel approach with the potential for significant social change. Their aim is to pave the way for these projects by establishing the necessary policies.
The dream is to have a sizable impact on the national economy as a green job creator by transforming Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo into a Hydrogen Valley. The partnerships aim to develop three hydrogen hubs in the Johannesburg, Durban and Mogalakwena regions that will boost economic activities.
The first step towards this ambitious goal is a pilot project led by Zanele’s company, Bambili Energy. Bambili has been entrusted with the task of deploying a 2 MW hydrogen fuel cell power system to supply electricity to the Anglo American headquarters in Rosebank, Johannesburg, a testament to their leadership and commitment to the cause.
Zanele explained that the company would use platinum produced by Amplats (a subsidiary of Anglo) in the membrane electrode assemblies manufactured by HyPlat. These membrane electrode assemblies are a vital component in hydrogen fuel cell systems.
Zanele said this project is unique because “it shows a mind to market. It’s a unique fuel cell system, and we hope that in the coming months, we can progress this project to a conclusion”.
In order to make their dream a reality and get the Hydrogen Valley going, the partnership has identified nine promising pilot projects in three different sectors: industrial, buildings and mobility.
In true ALI style, Zanele showed even more leadership initiative when she also involved Bambili in SA’s first hydrogen transportation project. Together with co-developers Anglo, Engie, Sasol and Total Energies, they aim to start Project Rhynbow’s trial phase next year. By 2028, they hope to have 500 trucks and 300 buses using hydrogen fuel on the Durban/Johannesburg N1 and N3 routes, where a refuelling network will be developed.
ALI can only applaud Zanele, who was speaking at a seminar hosted by the Japan External Trade Organisation. They seek to promote South African/Japanese collaboration on hydrogen projects in South Africa.
Zanele is a shining example of a Fellow who leads according to ALI’s concept of the Good Society.
**To read the article that appeared in Engineering News, click on the link below:
