As leaders in the field of hydrogen technology, Air Products South Africa is one of the key partners in a pilot project which aims to enhance the quality of learning and teaching in remote, rural schools.
The pilot project forms part of the TECH4RED (Technology for Rural Education and Development) project, initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) 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 (a South African company co-owned by the DST and Anglo American Platinum) 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, Managing Director of Air Products South Africa.
... to continue reading you must be subscribed
