Fuel cell R&D at the CSIR

Abstract

Increasing amount of funding is becoming available internationally to develop 'hydrogen economy'. The main drivers for countries to pursue this field are the need to create more energy independence and to address environmental issues. An important aspect of the hydrogen economy is the use of fuel cells, which is a device that converts chemical energy,for example hydrogen, directly into electrical energy, without the need to burn fuel to create the steam or gas that drives a generator. Functioning similarly to a battery, which uses electrochemical conversion, fuel cells take in hydrogen- rich fuel and oxygen and turn them into electricity and heat. The hydrogen used can be derived from gasoline, natural gas, propane or methanol. Within the CSIR and within South Africa's government and industry, it has been realised that research into fuel cells is important for South Africa for the same reasons as in other countries. In addition, since South Africa accounts for about 77% of the world's platinum supply and since platinum and other precious metals are an important part of fuels cells, South Africa could become a key player in a future hydrogen economy and fuel cell technology