Amplats gives drive to SAs green hydrogen plans
’
The launch by Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) of the world’s first prototype of a zero emissions dump truck at its Mogalakwena mine in Limpopo is a boost to SA’s plans for a green hydrogen economy.
The company last week unveiled the 2MW hydrogen battery hybrid truck, which generates more power than its diesel predecessor and is capable of carrying a 290 tonne payload.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, Amplats CEO Natascha Viljoen said the truck “is one of the key projects we have identified to unlock the hydrogen economy of SA”.
Hydrogen fuel cells are described as a fuel of the future and a source of energy that can help the world reduce emissions. In fuel cells, oxygen and hydrogen are combined to generate electricity, heat and water.
Minerals Council CEO Roger Baxter said the world is looking for future energy sources that are not carbon-intensive, and Amplats is playing a pathfinding role that will make a difference.
“I can tell you right now there are a lot of eyes watching at a global level,” Baxter said.
SA will become a global player in the production of green hydrogen given the significant platinum reserve base which catalyses fuel cell technologies, he said, adding that through Sasol SA produces 2% of global grey hydrogen, which is inexpensive and commonly used in the chemical industry to make fertiliser and for refining oil.
“The benefits could be substantial. If we get everything right we could have a green hydrogen economy sector by 2050 which is 25 times bigger than our current iron ore mining industry from an economic potential perspective,” he said.
“It will have a huge impact on our efforts to go through the just energy transition and to reduce our carbon intensity in terms of production. In terms of PGMs [platinum group metals] we could have a big market.”
Fahmida Smith, a principal market development officer at Amplats, said climate change is driving the demand for hydrogen to be used to reduce emissions.
She said the company has always understood that PGMs play an important role in driving key technologies in the hydrogen value chain, from production and storage to end use.
Smith said Anglo has been invested in the hydrogen economy for the past 15 years and is working on shaping the business environment. “We are looking at how we get new access to partner with others to ensure large-scale uptake in the technology. In shaping the environment we are focused on engaging governments to ensure we have enabling policy frameworks so we can get global uptake in the technology.”
She said one of the key areas is to decarbonise operations.
“The zero emissions haulage is one of the opportunities for displacing diesel in our operations. We have always understood heavy duty haulage, like the trucks, are important. What is crucial about the truck is that it is a tangible demonstration that has the potential to unlock additional opportunities for other large-scale applications for trains, ships and opening that pathway around what else is possible out there.”
In his address to delegates attending the indaba, President Cyril Ramaphosa said SA was keen to harness the opportunities of the hydrogen economy. “We aim to be not only an important hub for the production and export of green hydrogen, but also of green ammonia, green iron and steel, and sustainable aviation jet fuel.” Ramaphosa also told delegates that SA’s hydrogen strategy is focused on stimulating and guiding innovation along the value chain of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. “This will not only sustain demand for PGMs but also position South Africa to derive benefits from supplying high value-added products. As a continent that has such a rich abundance of resources, Africa needs to beneficiate its mineral endowments for the benefit of the current and future generations.”
A study by the department of science & innovation, in collaboration with Amplats, has identified the development of hydrogen hubs in Johannesburg, Durban and Limpopo.
The report added that hydrogen hubs have the potential to add R141.65bn to GDP directly and indirectly by 2050, while also creating between 14,000 and 30,000 direct and indirect jobs a year.
Barriers to developing hydrogen hubs include grid reliability and limited green electricity on grid, as well as infrastructure in terms of a lack of hydrogen-fuelled transport, and storage regulations, among others.
The report recommends creating easier conditions through simplified permitting procedures for faster deployment of renewable energy supply, and offering financial incentives to lower capex cost.
I can tell you right now there are a lot of eyes watching at a global level
Roger Baxter
Minerals Council CEO