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South Africa, Japan Collaborate To Develop Domestic Hydrogen Fuel Cell Industry

South Africa, Japan Collaborate To Develop Domestic Hydrogen Fuel Cell Industry

South Africa hopes to establish a domestic hydrogen fuel cell industry, and believes that fuel cells could be a major boon for the country at a time when it seeks to distance itself from fossil fuels, HydrogenFuelNews reports.

A world leader in in fuel cell technology, Japan has been investing heavily in its development.

South Africa has one of the world’s largest platinum deposits — needed for fuel cells —  but has invested relatively little in developing fuel cell technology.

A partnership between the two countries may lead to new opportunities for both, according to a report in from HydrogenFuelNews.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is being used successfully to provide standby power in a pilot project in some schools in the Eastern Cape, according to an earlier AFKInsider report.

The power generated by the fuel cells is used to charge tablets, fax machines and computers.

Fuel cells generate electrical power quietly and efficiently, without pollution, according to HowStuffWorks.com. Unlike power sources that use fossil fuels, the by-products from an operating fuel cell are heat and water.

Hydrogen gas is rarely found isolated in nature, according to Prezi. It is produced by separating water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Here’s another part of the definition: Hydrogen fuel is a zero-emission fuel which uses electrochemical cells, or combustion in internal engines, to power vehicles and electric devices. It is also used in spacecraft and could potentially be mass produced and commercialized for passenger vehicles and aircraft.

Japan has invested aggressively in fuel cell technology, hoping that these energy systems will allow the country to break away from fossil-fuels and become more environmentally friendly, says HydrogenFuelNews.

Japan has an abundance of skills when it comes to clean technology, according to the report. South Africa, by contrast, lacks the skills needed for a domestic fuel cell industry, said Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s technology minister.

South Africa may have access to platinum, but it will still need help establishing a domestic fuel cell industry. Japan may be able to provide technical assistance. Details concerning how the two countries will be working together have not yet been released.