Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies have been identified by the DST as a "Frontier Science and Technology" initiative that will potentially expand the base for the creation of wealth and position the country to compete within the dynamic knowledge economy. This initiative would foster proactive innovation and knowledge generation in  eneficiation of key natural resources, resulting in new downstream industries. Globally, hydrogen and fuel cells are seen as energy solutions for the 21st century, enabling clean and efficient production of power and heat from a range of primary energy sources. The transition to a hydrogen economy is expected to greatly reduce dependency on oil and gas, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

South Africa is in a unique position to participate in the emerging hydrogen economy. It holds a dominating position in platinum reserves with more than 75% of the world?s known reserves. Platinum is the key catalytic material used in hydrogen fuel cells. There are also socio-economic benefits that could result from value addition to key natural resources, such as platinum.

The country also has a leading position in high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactors, such as the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor. This technology is key in the production of industrial-scale process heat that could be used in thermal electrolysis to generate hydrogen for use in fuel cells. Furthermore, South Africa is regarded as a leader in the technology to produce liquid fuels from coal through gasification.

The Hydrogen CoC will function in a hub-and-spoke collaborative mode, which is a mechanism to bring together all interested stakeholders to deliver on a long-term vision. The CoC, in its network form, will create a coherent and dynamic action plan to achieve that vision. It will steer the implementation of an action plan to deliver on agreed programmes and will generate sustainable competitiveness and world leadership for the country by stimulating increased and more effective investment in research and development, accelerated innovation and through eliminating barriers, contribute to the deployment and growth of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

The CoC also has the benefits of providing an opportunity to develop a knowledge base that can contribute at the forefront of an emerging industry, creating  socio-economic opportunities for the nation.