The dialogue is intended to plan for the development of a science and knowledge base that will ensure that South Africa plays a meaningful role in the hydrogen economy.

One of the objectives of the Department of Science and Technology, as set out in the National Research and Development Strategy (2002), is to achieve mastery of technological change in South Africa's economy through innovation.

Within this context, the department is tasked with identifying and developing lead sectors that will expand the base for wealth creation and position the country to compete successfully within the dynamic knowledge economy.

In line with this, the department has identified the hydrogen economy and related fuel cell technologies as a "frontier science and technology" initiative that would allow proactive development of innovation and human resources while leveraging key natural resources.

According to the department, this will yield multiple social and economic benefits for the country.

Hydrogen and fuel cells are energy solutions for the 21st century that enable the clean and efficient production of power and heat from a range of primary energy sources.

The transition to hydrogen is expected to greatly reduce dependency on oil and gas and will reduce carbon dioxide emissions especially when used in efficient fuel cells.

At the core of future fuel cell technologies is the platinum catalyst, which is used in the central electro-catalyst layer of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells - the type intended to be used in automobiles and stationary applications.

According to the International Platinum Association (IPA), no other material has been shown to be as effective as platinum in PEM fuel cells.

The platinum catalyst is also critical for the efficient conversion of hydrogen into electricity by fuel cells.

This is significant for South Africa with its endowment of platinum resources [currently about 87 percent of known platinum reserves are found in SA], and places the country in a strategic position to take advantage of new opportunities that will be opened up by the hydrogen economy and fuel cell technologies.