The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) announced plans to establish a South Africa Hydrogen Localisation Initiative (SAHLI), this week.
The facility is in partnership with Air Liquide South Africa and the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) .
Wits-SAHLI is scheduled to be operational by 2028.
It is a ZAR100 million initiative, funded by Air Liquide, dedicated to build research capacity and local expertise, required to contribute towards South Africa’s just energy transition towards a low-carbon hydrogen economy.
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, said Wits-SAHLI will establish a modular pilot hydrogen plant on Wits University’s West Campus.
“This is a living laboratory, designed to support applied research and teaching, on-campus testing of hydrogen applications and provide a de-risked entry point for industry partners to explore hydrogen solutions” said Vilakazi.
The facility will use a 110kW electrolyser to convert water and renewable electricity into low-carbon hydrogen.
It has a storage capacity of 200kg, and can deliver a total electrical output of up to 200kW during peak operation.
Nicolas Poirot, CEO of Air Liquide for Africa, Middle East and India said “we are proud to be at the forefront of driving innovation that addresses the critical challenges of our time. Wits-SAHLI aligns perfectly with our mission to advance the frontiers of knowledge, produce world-class research and nurture talent that will build new industries and lead in the global green economy, for good.”
Picture: Supplied