Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Brings Power to Rural School
The Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, launched a Hydrogen Fuel Cell System at Poelano High School in Ventersdorp in the North West Province, to help solve the energy challenges.
Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity through a chemical reaction, using hydrogen as the basic fuel and platinum-based catalysts. In order for this process to take place, solar photovoltaic panels have been installed at the school to capture and convert energy from the Wun into electricity that is needed to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. Since water is needed to produce the hydrogen for the fuel cells, and there are water shortages in Poelano High School, DST installed a borehole to ensure the successful implementation of the project. The school now has a reliable water supply as well as a reliable power supply.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology (HFCT) standby power solutions are efficient, safe and quiet, ensuring a non-intrusive standby and potentially primary power solution. The project also provides an opportunity to demonstrate to learners, teachers and the community that science can help solve socio-economic problems in rural areas. The project was implemented through the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Programme, a DST initiative promoting the use of local platinum group metal (PGM) resources to create knowledge and skills, and enabling the development of high-value commercial activities in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. South Africa is endowed with about 75% of global PGM reserves, located in North West and Limpopo, and there are various initiatives aimed at beneficiating the resources.
Minister Kubayi-Ngubane, who addressed the launch, said the HySA Programme had huge potential for local manufacturing and mineral beneficiation. The Minister said that the beneficiation of South Africa’s natural resources was one way in which the country would be able to expand its industrial base, creating jobs and reducing poverty and inequality.
The launch at Poelano High School included an exhibition showcasing a wide variety of HFCT and solar energy products. Learners from schools in the Ventersdorp area were able to learn about these alternative energy technologies, and had the opportunity to interact with the scientists involved in their development. These learners are experiencing first-hand the benefits of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology (HFCT) and learning about the technology. They also received information about the value of studying science, and were encouraged by the Minister Kubayi-Ngubane to consider the many career opportunities offered by science.
Learners Tshegofatso Motaung and Mantshonyane Keleabetswe, both in Grade 12, said that they welcomed the technology, as it ensured that the school always had power. Mantshonyane thanked the DST for the project. “I have learned that science and technology can help bring innovation to communities and this project has made life easier for all of us,” she said. The Minister appealed to parents to protect the infrastructure that government had brought into the community for their children’s benefit. The Principal of Poelano High School, Gerald Mhlanga, echoed the Minister’s sentiments. “The most important thing for us is to make sure we maintain the project and benefit many generations to come,” he said.
Background of HySA Public Awareness, Demonstration and Education Platform (HySA PADEP)
In HySA Public Awareness, Demonstration and Education Platform (HySA PADEP) is an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology. Its main objective is to create public awareness, visibility and acceptance amongst the public, industries, entrepreneurs and key decision makers in South Africa about the challenges, benefits and safety of using hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the alternative energy industry. Given the relative newness of this technology, it is HySA PADEP’s intention to introduce this technology to the youth of South Africa to stimulate future careers in this field, showcase cutting-edge research and present new business opportunities that this technology offers to industries and entrepreneurs. For more details and contact information, visit: www.hysa-padep.co.za and www.saasta.ac.za or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HySA-Public-Awareness and on Twitter: @HySA_Outreach.