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From COP to COP, platinum fuel cells make some progress but far short of what’s needed

4th December 2015

By: Martin Creamer

Creamer Media Editor

  

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Hydrogen fuel cells using platinum catalysts are efficient, versatile and scaleable and represent a proven technology that ensures clean, reliable and cost-effective power – just what the world is looking for right now.

Strong endorsement was given to the long-studied fuel cell when the United Nations climate change convention held its seventeenth Conference of the Parties (COP 17) in Durban in November 2011.

But between that and COP 21, which opened in Paris this week, the forward movement of platinum fuel cells has taken place but not at the dashing pace of, for example, the battery car.

But, overall, the window of opportunity is still wide open for fuel cells, which should pull ahead of the pack because of their unmatched zero-emissions contribution.

The country that is brave enough to throw its full weight behind fuel cells stands to benefit from being the world’s source of clean, zero-emissions electricity that no other technology is able to provide.

At COP 17, four years ago, the UK’s Carbon Trust reported forthrightly that hydrogen fuel cells had the potential to drive the development of a new industrial sector in South Africa and provide the country with the opportunity to become a major participant in the global green economy.

As COP 21 draws to a close, it is appropriate to recall that the UK’s Carbon Trust calculated that “hundreds of thousands of new jobs” could be created over the next 30 years with appropriate levels of deployment of investment in fuel cell manufacturing, installation and maintenance activities.

As the fuel cell has platinum at its heart, it is also appropriate to have South Africa as its vigorous promoter.

The fuel cells produced could simultaneously help South Africa to meet its energy security needs and provide rural communities with energy, without any major expansion to the national electricity grid.

There would also be clear potential to export knowledge, products and services to the global market.

Demonstration projects publicised during COP 17 showed how fuel cells can refrigerate vaccines in rural clinics and supply heat and power to hospitals.

Close to the COP 17 conference venue, Anglo American Platinum demonstrated a 150 kW zero-emissions fuel cell to highlight platinum’s bright green credentials.

Electric vehicles powered by fuel cells have the potential to allow platinum mining to build a future sustainably on their zero emissions capability, while using the world’s endless supply of hydrogen as a fuel source.

Fuel cell cars can be driven in the same way as petrol cars and fuel cells are already power sources for cellphone towers.

What is important for South Africa is that the platinum used in fuel cells is unsubstitutable.

Liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) technology is seen as the probable code cracker for the entry of efficient, versatile and scale- able hydrogen fuel cells that will ensure the new generation of clean, reliable and cost- effective power that the world is crying out for.

Owing to its diesel-like nature, LOHC can be transported and distributed in the existing infrastructure for oil-based fuels – like the already built petrol stations you pull up to when filling your car.

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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