The project forms part of the Technology for Rural Education and Development (TECH4RED) project, initiated by the Department of Science and Technology in 2012, and has resulted in a powerful public-private partnership (PPP) which is using science, technology and innovation to bring about an effective and efficient rural education environment.
Central to the TECH4RED project is the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology to provide backup power for electronic equipment - notably tablets - which have been introduced to schools in the Cofimvaba district of the Eastern Cape for both teachers and learners. Anglo American Platinum sponsored three platinum-based fuel cell systems, including installation and ongoing maintenance and operations. Air Products is supplying the hydrogen fuel requirements, while Clean Energy Investments commissioned the fuel cells to bring backup power to the schools.
"We are very honoured to be a part of this ground-breaking project. It exemplifies our capabilities in hydrogen-based technologies, and points to a more energy-efficient future that is in line with the global drive to reduce carbon emissions," says Mike Hellyar, MD of Air Products South Africa.
"This initiative also speaks to our corporate social investment vision which remains focused on the youth, and finding ways of opening the door to better quality education."
The hydrogen fuel cell pilot project, officially launched on 12 June at Mvuzo Junior Secondary School in Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape, is an important milestone along the road to introducing commercially viable fuel cell technology in South Africa.
The TECH4RED pilot project is being implemented in 26 schools in the Cofimvaba region, between East London and Queenstown, where 270 teachers are now using tablets for teaching and learning, and 3,262 tablets have been distributed to learners. The project also includes other focus areas, including health, water and sanitation, energy, nutrition and agri-education. The hydrogen fuel cell project is being implemented at three schools, namely Arthur Mfebe Senior Secondary, St Marks and Mvuzo Junior Secondary schools.
"The Cofimvaba fuel cell pilot project is pivotal to our understanding of South Africa's capacity to utilise hydrogen fuel cell technology in order to address a number of socio-economic challenges. Our task is to grow the fuel cell market in South Africa, to develop the necessary infrastructure and create partnerships, such as with Air Products, to develop the technology according to local requirements," explains Gavin Coetzer, business development executive of Clean Energy Investments.
Hydrogen technology has increasing relevance in the South African context. "Fuel cells provide a compelling answer to numerous socio-economic challenges we have in this country, particularly when it comes to backup power supply," says Sizwe Nkonde, general manager of packaged gases at Air Products South Africa.
"Hydrogen fuel cells provide a stable power environment which is not at risk of theft and they are also much quieter than generators, making them non-disruptive and conducive to a learning environment. And above all, fuel cells are green technology - the only by-products in their operation are water and heat," says Nkonde.
