Anglo American Platinum, BMW Group South Africa and Sasol South Africa Limited signed a collaboration agreement that will bring H₂ fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and supporting H₂ refueling technology to South Africa.

In terms of the agreement, which was signed at the 2023 South African Green H₂ Summit in Cape Town, BMW will provide the H₂ fuel-cell electric vehicles, while Sasol will supply the green H₂ and mobile refueler. These vehicles will operate on South African roads as part of an international trial to understand how the BMW iX5 H₂ performs in real-world conditions, following four years of development work. Anglo American Platinum, which provides platinum group metals (PGMs) used in FCEVs and has been investing in H₂ technologies for many years, will work closely with BMW and Sasol to help develop a local green H₂ mobility ecosystem.

The agreement is a significant step towards accelerating the uptake of FCEVs and the establishment of related infrastructure in the country. Growing the market for H₂-fueled mobility solutions is a key pillar of the South African government’s green H₂ economy strategy, which will lower carbon emissions, unlock investment, create jobs, and drive demand for critical metals and raw materials, including PGMs.

Sasol Executive Vice President for the Energy Business, Priscillah Mabelane, said, “Sasol, BMW and Anglo American Platinum recognize the urgency of addressing climate change, and this agreement demonstrates our commitment to revolutionizing the energy sector by exploring and promoting cutting-edge solutions. As an organization that has been producing and marketing H₂ for more than 20 years, we know H₂. We produced our first batch of green H₂ at our Sasolburg facility in June and in 2024 we will ramp this up to commercial scale when a 69-MW wind farm, situated in the Eastern Cape, comes online. As Sasol we are excited to be part of this demonstration, which has been strategic in showcasing local capability and the art of the possible.”

Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, said, “One technology on its own will not be enough to enable climate-neutral mobility worldwide. As a versatile energy source, H₂ has a key role to play on the road to climate neutrality. We believe South Africa – with its abundance of raw materials and sound infrastructure base – is ideally placed to deliver on the Green H₂ Economy’s promises. Soon, with collaborators Sasol and Anglo American Platinum, we will be able to demonstrate the technical maturity of BMW’s fuel cell electric vehicle drive system, underscoring its potential for the future.”

Craig Miller, CEO of Anglo American Platinum, said, “H₂ fuel cells are a critical technology for zero emission electric vehicles, and we believe FCEVs will play an important role in the mix of drivetrain technologies needed to decarbonize all forms of transport. FCEVs benefit from short refueling times and long ranges, similar to using a diesel or petrol vehicle, but with the added benefit of zero emissions. Our collaboration with Sasol and BMW builds on various partnerships we have around the world to drive green mobility solutions and develop new uses for the products we mine.”