This research focuses on advancing green hydrogen systems engineering at Stellenbosch University (SU) through the Hydrogen Engineering Research Platform (H2P). With South Africa's abundant renewable energy resources and ambitious green hydrogen goals, the H2P aims to address critical knowledge gaps in hydrogen system engineering to support large-scale clean hydrogen production.

Overview

The initiative seeks to establish a state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary hydrogen laboratory at SU's Faculty of Engineering, enabling research and development in three primary areas: electrolyser technology, clean hydrogen fuel combustion, and biogas upgrading involving hydrogen.

The laboratory will serve as a hub for training highly skilled professionals in the green hydrogen sector, fostering collaboration with industry, government, and communities. By addressing challenges in hydrogen systems engineering, the research will support South Africa's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, drive sustainable development, and position SU as a leader in hydrogen research and innovation.

Key Focus Areas

  • Electrolyser Cell and Stack Technology Programme

  • Combustion of Clean Hydrogen Fuels Programme

  • Biogas upgrading

Projects

  • Electrolyser Cell and Stack Technology Programme

    Ongoing

    This program aims to develop a comprehensive research and development capability for electrolyser cell and stack technology at Stellenbosch University (SU), addressing ...

  • Combustion of Clean Hydrogen Fuels Programme

    Ongoing

    This program investigates the performance and emissions characteristics of gas turbine combustors using clean hydrogen fuels and hydrogen-hydrocarbon mixtures, addressing these key ...

  • Biogas Upgrading

    Ongoing

    This program aims to investigate the integration of clean hydrogen in biogas upgrading processes, focusing on biomethanation, CO2 hydrogenation, and methane cracking. ...

  • Masia Village – Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus Project

    Completed, 2024

    The Masia Village Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus Project is a collaborative effort to address the interconnected challenges of water, energy, and food ...

Research Team

Academic Publications