Diversified mining giant Anglo American is making waves in the energy sector with its latest endeavor: a hydrogen fuel cell power system project in partnership with Bambili Energy.
This initiative aims to revolutionize energy production at Anglo American’s headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, while also paving the way for a broader transition to green hydrogen across the region.
Led by Bambili Energy CEO Zanele Mavuso Mbatha, the project seeks to deploy a bespoke 2 MW hydrogen fuel cell power system, leveraging platinum produced by Anglo American Platinum (Amplats). This cutting-edge technology represents a significant step forward in sustainable energy solutions, offering an alternative to traditional diesel generators and paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient future.
Central to the project’s success is the collaboration between Bambili Energy, Anglo American, independent power producer Engie, and the South African government. Together, these partners are conducting technoeconomic analyses to create business cases for fuel cell-related projects, map their potential social impact, and define policy actions to facilitate implementation.
One of the project’s key objectives is to establish three hydrogen hubs in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo, collectively known as the Hydrogen Valley. These hubs will serve as catalysts for economic growth, driving job creation and green innovation across various sectors.
Despite the immense potential of the Hydrogen Valley, several challenges remain, including regulatory and policy barriers. However, Mbatha remains optimistic about the project’s long-term impact, citing its potential to contribute billions to South Africa’s GDP and create thousands of jobs annually by 2050.
In addition to the headquarters project, Bambili Energy is also collaborating on Project Rhynbow, South Africa’s first hydrogen transportation corridor, which aims to deploy hydrogen-powered buses and trucks along key routes between Durban and Johannesburg.
As the project gains momentum, Mbatha welcomes collaboration with Japanese companies to further accelerate South Africa’s hydrogen initiatives, signaling a promising future for green energy in the region. With innovative projects like these, Anglo American and its partners are leading the charge towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for South Africa and beyond.
