Blog Layout
UP partners with Bambili, EWSeta, DSI to train graduates on fuel cell systems
BY: MARLENY ARNOLDI
UP partners with Bambili, EWSeta, DSI to train graduates on fuel cell systems
The University of Pretoria (UP) will, for the next month, provide training for technical and vocational education and training college graduates on hydrogen fuel cell systems.
The training, which is provided in partnership with Bambili Energy, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and the Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSeta), is expected to end on December 11.
UP electrical engineering department head Raj Naidoo says 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.
Addressing a virtual event held to officially launch the training, Higher Education, Science and Technology Deputy Minister Buti Manamela said fuel cells were expected to play a significant role in providing energy to buildings and in off-grid electrification, particularly in areas where grid extension was not economically viable.
To address these markets, capabilities need to be built to support the local manufacturing of the technologies, as well as their deployment in the various applications.
“Having local skills to install, operate and maintain the fuel cell systems is critical. The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) views this as an opportunity that can be filled by graduates at N4 to N6 levels with electrical and chemical engineering qualifications,” Manamela stated.
“UP supports human capital development,” said Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology Professor Sunil Maharaj.
“We are honoured to launch this event. 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.”
Referring to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Maharaj said humankind needed to save the planet especially in terms of mitigating climate change and transitioning to 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.”
DSI deputy director-general Dr. Mmboneni Muofhe said the training was being funded by the EWSeta and DSI as part of implementing the Cabinet-approved Hydrogen South Africa Strategy through a 15-year research, development and innovation programme.
This programme is aimed at developing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, with a focus on beneficiating the platinum group metals resource base that South Africa possesses. The programme is therefore an important pillar in positioning South Africa as part of the emerging global hydrogen economy.
The DSI selected Bambili Energy to facilitate the training, which complements the demonstration of 15 hydrogen fuel cell systems in South Africa. Currently, seven of these fuel cell systems are operational at a military hospital, in Pretoria, as Covid-19-related support provided by government.
Bambili CEO Zanele Mavuso noted that it had been "an incredible journey of planning and organising for the launch of this training" and that the goal was to ensure that, by completion of training, graduates would be effectively knowledgeable about the fuel cell industry, the hydrogen economy and renewable energy, and, most importantly, have the ability to fuel and maintain fuel cell systems.
EDITED BY: CHANEL DE BRUYN
See article below.
November 12, 2020
Beijing 2023 Global Energy Transition Forum
World's largest class! New Energy Comprehensive Exhibition
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO HOST JOINT WORKING VISIT BY PRIME MINSTER RUTTE OF THE NETHERLANDS AND PRIME MINISTER FREDERIKSEN OF DENMARK
On July 5-7, 2023, the Society of Automotive Engineers of China and the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association successfully held the 2023 International Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Vehicle Conference and Exhibition (hereinafter referred to as the "Conference"). With the theme of "demonstration leads, hydrogen inspires the future", the conference focuses on the demonstration application and commercialization of fuel cell vehicles, multi-field application innovation practices, clean hydrogen production and commercial development paths, infrastructure and storage and transportation safety, and core components In-depth discussions on hot topics such as key technologies and key equipment for the hydrogen energy industry, and actively provide suggestions for the high-quality development of hydrogen energy and fuel cell vehicle industries. Hou Fushen, Deputy Secretary-General of SAE-China presided over the opening ceremony. Miao Changxing , first-level inspector of the Equipment Industry Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Wang Qinglin, first-level inspector of the International Cooperation Department of the China Association for Science and Technology, Han Dadong , director of the Intelligent Manufacturing Promotion Division of the Shanghai Economic and Information Commission, and Li Feng , deputy head of the People's Government of Jiading District, Shanghai speech. Zou Ciyong , Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization , Klaus Bonhoff , Director of the Basic Policy Department of the German Federal Ministry of Digitalization and Transport, and Rebecca Maserumule, President of the International Partnership for Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Economy, delivered video speeches at the conference. With the theme of "demonstration leads, hydrogen inspires the future", the conference focuses on the demonstration application and commercialization of fuel cell vehicles, multi-field application innovation practices, clean hydrogen production and commercial development paths, infrastructure and storage and transportation safety, and core components In-depth discussions on hot topics such as key technologies and key equipment for the hydrogen energy industry, and actively provide suggestions for the high-quality development of hydrogen energy and fuel cell vehicle industries.
The Global Platform Where Hydrogen Deals Get Done.
South Africa is participating in the world’s largest exhibition in the hydrogen and fuel cell (FC) industry, showcasing the latest technologies, research and development innovation, components, materials and devices. Taking place in Tokyo from 15 to 17 March, the 2023 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Expo forms part of a series of events that comprise World Smart Energy Week. In line with global developments, South Africa sees the hydrogen economy as a potential game changer to re-industrialise the country and to become an exporter of cost-effective green hydrogen to the world, leveraging its abundant mineral and natural resources such as solar and wind. The Cabinet approval of the National Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa 2021 and the release of the Hydrogen Valley Feasibility Study Report are the culmination of a long-standing investment by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in the development and application of scientific knowledge domains such as the hydrogen economy, which South Africa sees as critical for advancing national development and global competitiveness. The DSI considers the expo platform to be an opportunity to showcase the relevant infrastructure, technical capabilities and competencies established through the three Centres of Competence (HySA Catalysis, HySA Infrastructure and HySA Systems) as part of implementing the DSI-supported Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Programme. In addition to the three HySA Centres of Competence, the DSI has invited eight South African companies (HyPlat, Bambili Energy, Anglo American Platinum , Coega Development Corporation, Sasol Limited, Hive Energy, InfiniX Energy and Midnite Aerospace Solutions) to be part of the exhibitors in the South African pavilion. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, an entity of the DSI, will also exhibit its work towards the development of a hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicle, using locally developed fuel cell technology to support efforts to decarbonise aviation in South Africa. Apart from showcasing their capabilities, stakeholders will be able to explore complementary partnerships to unlock the potential socio-economic benefits of the integration of hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies in various sectors of the economy. The South African pavilion will demonstrate the country’s potential to sell green hydrogen and green ammonia to countries such as Japan and the UK at globally competitive prices, as well as the ability to create an enabling ecosystem that supports hydrogen innovation and skills development. The expo will also be used to explore strategic partnerships that will promote the manufacturing of locally developed intellectual property across the Hydrogen Valley corridor.
The South African Green Hydrogen TVET Ecosystem Just Transition Strategic Framework
One of our chosen pathways for reaching a low-carbon future is the adoption of hydrogen as an energy source, over less sustainable and more polluting options. Hydrogen is the earth’s most abundant element, and is a versatile, zero-emission energy carrier with a high energy density. It can also be stored in large quantities and for long periods and can be employed in sectors that are hard to decarbonise (so-called ‘hard-to-abate’ sectors), including long-haul heavy-duty transport, chemicals, steel, cement, aviation, and shipping. It can also be used as a store of energy generated from renewables. The Hydrogen Council currently estimates that hydrogen could represent 18% of global energy demand by 2050. Platinum group metals (PGMs), essential in cleaning up the noxious gases from internal combustion engines (ICE) for some time to come, also play a critical role in the emerging hydrogen economy.
Climate change is the defining challenge of our time.
A solution so ambitious, it didn’t exist. So we made it from scratch.
