Today will see the launch by Anglo American of its nuGen Zero Emission Haulage Solution at the Mogalakwena PGM mine in Mokopane, Limpopo.
The nuGen solution is a hydrogen-powered, ultra-class mine haul truck that’s been converted to run on hydrogen that will be produced on-site in hybrid combination with a battery – and is the world’s biggest hydrogen-powered truck, according to Bloomberg.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa will, as part of the launch activities, observe the working demonstration of the nuGen hydrogen-powered truck and join a guided tour of Anglo American’s on-site hydrogen production, storage and refuelling complex, which incorporates the largest electrolyser in Africa,” the presidency said.
The haulage solution is designed to operate fully loaded with a payload of 290 tonnes in conventional mine conditions.
The use of this technology is believed to demonstrate the efficiency of hydrogen in the heaviest classes of transport and the role it can play in the transition toward a low-carbon future.
In a statement yesterday, the presidency said this innovative investment fulfilled part of the pledges made by Anglo American at the South Africa Investment Conference to contribute to the expansion of the South African economy, including assisting South African industry to achieve a clean energy future.
Following his tour of the mine, the president will deliver an address at the formal proceedings of the launch of this colossal truck.
South Africa is part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Paris Agreement, which aims for a just transition, a low-carbon economy and a climate-resilient society for the future.
South Africa signed the agreement last year with France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union to mobilise an initial $8.5 billion over the next three to five years.
This is through a range of instruments, including grants and concessional finance, to support the implementation of the revised NDC through a just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. – SAnews.gov.za
