The South African perspective in the vision of the global technology development of hydrogen fuel cells

The South African hydrogen fuel cell technology (HFCT) initiatives is a national strategy response to the globally emerging HFCT sector. Among the currently developing renewable technologies, which includes wind powered energy systems, bio-fuels and ethanol production plants, hydrogen fuel cell technology, may be one of the most promising. The world population is increasing exponentially and the need for sufficient and uninterrupted energy supply continues to rise. The opportunity which hydrogen fuel cell technology contribute to this dilemma would alleviate some of the speculative demand in energy use. As a part of this general thrust, the South African Department of Science and Technology is encouraging and funding the development of fuel cell technology. If successful within the sustainability and financial constraints, a well-developed hydrogen fuel cell technology for South Africa and the region, can decrease strain on the national economy, and cut down the country's carbon footprint from coal-fired power generation. There is also the potential to improve the lifestyle and the economy in the remoter parts of the nation and the region by enabling on-site generation of electricity. The paper outline entails and locates the South African HFCT in the global project initiative, highlighting the current stage of its development, and the know-how as well as the endeavour towards its goals and the achievements up to date. This initiative gives South Africa an advantage over other countries given that it is the wealthiest country in platinum group metals (PGM). PGM are the key elements to the HFCT system efficiency; these are mainly used in the most performing fuel cell system known as the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system. The achievements highlighted in the first five-year phase (2008-2013) by the SA hydrogen fuel cell technology initiative are discussed in detail emphasising trends already developed by international scientists and institutions involved in the HFCT initiative. This paper address concerns of policy makers, government regulatory bodies, the current large automotive manufacturers in the country, the clean energy production investors, and other renewable energy investment stakeholders to promote the implementation of hydrogen fuel cell technology in South Africa.