By Nick Gilbert
Anglo American Platinum, a producer of platinum group metals and Ballard Power Systems, a provider of clean energy fuel cell products are engaged in developing several early-stage motive and stationary uses of zero-emission, clean fuel cells in the South African market sector.
Previously in late-2011, the companies illustrated the performance of a 150 kW fuel cell system to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change close to the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17), which was conducted at Durban in South Africa.
During that period, the CEO of Anglo American Platinum, Neville Nicolau stated that the illustration shows the significance of fuel cells to the company’s business. The commercial manufacture of fuel cell power systems can enhance the energy efficiency of the company’s mining operations; effectively use the by-product hydrogen in South Africa and offers development towards worldwide platinum demand. In addition, fuel cells show the green credentials of platinum by improving energy efficiency.
Furthermore, Anglo American Platinum has planned to start above ground testing of five fuel cell-powered locomotives. The testing is conducted at the company’s Dishaba mine, located in Limpopo province, South Africa. Ballard fuel cell stacks, which were modeled by Vehicle Projects, Golden, Colorado, USA, are used in these locomotives, which transport machinery to underground for mining. The testing will continue for several months after a public launch event held on May 9, 2012 at Rustenburg, South Africa.
In 2012, both the companies are conducting a market feasibility study and proof-of-concept system test for small-scale electric generator, which will use natural gas or onsite propane
Source: http://www.ballard.com