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Fuel Cells

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy from a fuel, typically hydrogen, directly into electrical energy through a reaction with oxygen or another oxidising agent. Unlike batteries, which store energy, fuel cells generate electricity continuously as long as fuel is supplied. The technology operates without combustion, producing water and heat as the primary by-products when hydrogen is used, making it a clean energy solution. Fuel cells are used across a range of applications, including stationary power generation, backup power systems, portable electronics and transportation, particularly in electric vehicles and buses. The automotive sector has seen growing interest in fuel-cell electric vehicles as an alternative to battery-electric vehicles, especially for heavy-duty and long-range applications. Platinum-group metals, particularly platinum and palladium, are critical components in most fuel-cell designs, serving as catalysts to facilitate the electrochemical reactions. South Africa's significant platinum reserves position the country as a key supplier of materials essential to fuel-cell manufacturing. The technology is regarded as a cornerstone of the energy transition, offering a pathway to decarbonise sectors where electrification through batteries alone is challenging. Fuel cells have been deployed in industrial, commercial and residential settings, and their adoption is supported by policy frameworks promoting hydrogen economies and renewable energy integration. Ongoing research focuses on reducing costs, improving durability and decreasing reliance on scarce platinum-group metals.

Fuel Cells News


SFA (Oxford) CEO Henk de Hoop.
Platinum investment demand broadening to minor PGM metals, SFA (Oxford) points out
3rd June 2026 By: Martin Creamer

The strong ongoing investment demand for platinum is broadening to the minor platinum group metals (PGMs) such as ruthenium and iridium, SFA (Oxford) CEO Henk de Hoop pointed out on Wednesday June... 


Toyota, govt hand over locally developed hydrogen refuelling station
29th May 2026 By: Irma Venter

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), together with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and Hydrogen South Africa (HySA), have handed over a locally developed mobile hydrogen... 


Platinum crucibles.
Platinum’s the gift that just keeps on giving as global value-chain prospects resurface
25th May 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Platinum‑based equipment is critical for producing large, flawless crystals for electronics and optics applications, says the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) in its 60 Seconds feature.... 


Lhyfe taxi refuelling.
As costs drop, hydrogen energy sovereignty is being grasped
22nd May 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Following South Africa’s Northam Platinum reporting earlier this year that thousands of hydrogen-powered trucks are doing the rounds in China, France’s Lhyfe added on Monday, May 4 that by the end... 


African Rainbow Minerals CEO Phillip Tobias.
Hydrogen mobility, platinum group metals highlighted in North West
22nd May 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Hydrogen mobility and platinum group metals (PGMs) have been highlighted at North-West University (NWU) by the handing over of the mobile hydrogen refuelling and hydrogen generation system to... 


An image of Fred Arendse
Further investment needed to lift sector
15th May 2026 By: Trent Roebeck

Because junior mining companies are the principal drivers of mineral exploration in South Africa, junior mining lobby association the Junior Mining Council (JMC) is calling for increased investment... 


Volker Ebeling, Kei Nomura and Dr Manfred Schuckert are at the front, and at the back is Senator Dr Melanie Leonhard, president of the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour and Innovation in Hamburg
Heavy-hitters sign agreement to develop hydrogen supply chain from Japan to Europe
11th May 2026 By: Irma Venter

Daimler Truck, MB Energy and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have signed a joint development agreement (JDA) to establish a liquefied hydrogen supply chain to Europe via the Port of Hamburg. Under this... 


Photo of Martin Creamer
On-The-Air (08/05/2026)
8th May 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Martin Creamer talks about hydrogen’s growing role in energy storage, a new refuelling station at North-West University, and the need to lower manganese rail costs. 


Toyota aims to join Daimler Truck, Volvo Group as equal shareholder in fuel-cell JV
8th May 2026 By: Irma Venter

Toyota Motor Corporation has signed a non-binding agreement with Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group to participate in their fuel-cell system joint venture (JV), cellcentric. The three companies... 


Lhyfe taxi refuelling.
As costs drop, hydrogen energy sovereignty is being grasped
5th May 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Following South Africa’s Northam Platinum reporting earlier this year that thousands of hydrogen-powered trucks are doing the rounds in China, France’s Lhyfe added on Monday, May 4 that by the end... 


African Rainbow Minerals CEO Phillip Tobias.
Hydrogen mobility, platinum group metals highlighted in North West
4th May 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Hydrogen mobility and platinum group metals (PGMs) have been highlighted at North-West University (NWU) by the handing over of the mobile hydrogen refuelling and hydrogen generation system to... 


Nel ASA CEO Håkon Volldal and Nel CFO Kjell Christian Bjørnsen.
Hydrogen enables energy storage way beyond batteries, Nel emphasises
22nd April 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Electrolytic hydrogen enables long-term energy storage way beyond what batteries can provide, which is exemplified by a 200 MW hydrogen plant in the United States having larger storage capacity... 


Sibanye-Stillwater executive VP sales and marketing Kleantha Pillay.
PGM price underpin by investment, speculation expected to persist – Sibanye-Stillwater
20th April 2026 By: Martin Creamer

The underpinning of platinum group metals (PGM) prices by investment and speculation is expected to persist for as long as the high level of macro uncertainty persists, Sibanye-Stillwater executive... 


Isondo Precious Metals CEO Vinay Somera.
South Africa positioning as platinum-based hydrogen technology leader
17th April 2026 By: Martin Creamer

South Africa holds the world’s largest reserves of platinum group metals (PGMs), which are essential to many hydrogen technologies. Amid that background, ET Energies of the US and Isondo Precious... 


Photo of Martin Creamer
The growth opportunity that energy adaptation provides must be seized
17th April 2026 By: Martin Creamer

The structural change and the economic growth opportunity that the crisis in the Middle East is presenting on the energy front must be seized with both hands. Amid the financial extras that are... 


Platinum supports latest journey around moon.
Platinum fuel cell technology supporting humanity’s space flights
16th April 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Platinum, with which South Africa is more endowed than any other country on earth, is supporting humanity’s space leaps, the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) notes in its latest 60 Seconds... 


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pqt: 0.222s - ct: 2.023s - 243pq - 2rq
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