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Key hydrogen systems laboratories will go live next month in China, where rapid growth is reported in the platinum-catalysed proton exchange membrane (PEM) green hydrogen technology that is poised to play a central role in helping to protect Mother Earth from destructive climate change.
The laboratories have been established in Shanghai by a company within the German Heraeus Precious Metals Group, which has long-standing ties with South Africa, the world's most endowed platinum group metals country.
Heraeus Business Line Hydrogen Systems head Dr Philipp Walter described as "exciting" the progress made in hydrogen systems at Heraeus Materials Technology.
Walter had this to say on his return from China: "The labs reflect China's rapid pace of hydrogen innovation."
Interestingly, China - already the world's biggest producer and consumer of hydrogen - has included hydrogen its its 2025 energy law, which gives the atomic energy number one element elevated official status within the Asian country's national energy framework.
The investment in new laboratories that have good testing and development capacity underline the commitment of Heraeus innovate within tthe world's most dynamic hydrogen market.
The Asian giant's lightning fast PEM advance is reflected in the "skilled and motivated" Heraeus laboratory staff already having plans to expand by hiring more hydrogen professionals.
"I'm excited to see how our talented Shanghai team will drive the next chapter of sustainable energy solutions," an upbeat Walter wrote on LinkedIn.
The cost-efficient production of green hydrogen - on the industrial scale that China can provide - will be an important contributor towards a zero-emission society, on a planet increasingly threatened by floods, droughts and wildfires.
China's 2025 solar hydrogen advance is underpinned by an innovation-rich ecosystem that is accelerating the global green hydrogen transition, Hydrogen Industry's Klaus Steven observed this week.
China is rapidly positioning itself as a trailblazer in sustainable hydrogen energy, Top News' Jimmy Peterson reported on September 22, on the back of strategic government policies, abundant renewable resources, and a strong industrial base.
These factors not only drive cost reductions but also hold broad implications for clean energy transition and global carbon neutrality ambitions, Peterson added.
In South Africa, Heraeus operates from both a marketing and sales office in Boksburg, Gauteng, as well as from a platinum chemical compounds production and refinery site in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape.
Also in South Africa is China's Hunan province hydrogen stalwart SANY, which has a very active presence in Gauteng, and Mining Weekly can report that SANY has unveiled a PEM electrolyser that is targeting a cost reduction to $138/kW within two years.
One of the largest hydrogen equipment tenders to date has been invited in China through the unveiling of the 2025 hydrogen production equipment centralised procurement bidding announcement.
With an estimated 125 electrolyser units up for bidding, Green Power VP Yong Ye has pointed out that this initiative underscores the commitment of China Energy Engineering Corporation to build a significant green hydrogen supply chain that includes PEM as a key bidding package.
When it comes to producing green hydrogen at scale, Quest One has reported on the advantages of PEM's fast response to fluctuating power supply and lower maintenance requirement. Quest One described PEM electrolysis as a future-proof solution for the energy transition, with modular design supporting long-term uplift.
Meanwhile, Walter's view is that the peaks and valleys of renewable energy supply are best balanced out by stored hydrogen or hydrogen compounds.
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