In partnership with the University of Pretoria (UP), Bambili Energy, the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and the Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA), Enterprises University of Pretoria (Enterprises UP) will in the coming weeks train Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college graduates in hydrogen fuel cell systems.

Prof Raj Naidoo, Head of Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, UP,  stated that the university aims to develop competent, capable and work-ready technicians for the deployment, installation and maintenance of hydrogen fuel cell systems in South Africa and beyond.

The Short Introductory Course on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems was launched early in the month and aims to develop hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, with a focus on beneficiating the platinum group metals resource base that South Africa possesses. The course is therefore an important pillar in positioning South Africa as part of the emerging global hydrogen economy. This course focuses on COVID-19 Safety, Health and Safety, Global Energy and Carbon Dioxide Trends, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Components, Integration Modules of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems, Site Inspections, Load Management and Deployment Planning, Site Installations, Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Operations, Fuel Testing, Refueling of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems, Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Maintenance, Hydrogen Fuel System Monitoring and Hydrogen Gas and Fuel Cell Basics.

“UP is part of the energy space in the country in both demand-side management and energy efficiency, covering solar, nuclear, other renewables and now hydrogen. We are humbled to be partnering with Bambili Energy.” said Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Prof Sunil Maharaj.

In addition, Prof Maharaj referred to the Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals when he said “We need to save this planet especially in terms of climate change and clean energy for sustainable living. We all need to work together to make this planet a safer place for the next generation and UP is grateful to walk this journey with all the partners ranging from government, state-owned enterprises and industry to original equipment manufacturers and the sector education and training authorities.”

The training is funded by the EWSeta and Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), and facilitated by Bambili Energy as part of implementing the Cabinet-approved Hydrogen South Africa Strategy through a 15-year research, development and innovation programme.