A Hydrogen Centre of Competence is to be jointly established by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and North-West University. The partners were appointed by the department of science and technology to establish the centre which would focus on hydrogen production, storage, delivery and distribution.

Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies have been identified by the department as a ‘frontier science and technology’ initiative. The transition to a hydrogen economy was expected to reduce dependency on oil and gas, as well as reduce carbon emissions. The initiative could also potentially expand the base for the creation of wealth and put South Africa in a position to complete in a dynamic knowledge economy.

South Africa was in a unique position to benefit from this emerging hydrogen economy due to its platinum reserves and certain aligned technological developments and capabilities: the metal is a key catalytic material used in hydrogen fuel cells.

The new initiative promote innovation and knowledge generation in the beneficiation of key natural resources, resulting in the creation of new downstream industries.