Anglo American, the South Africa-linked mining giant, is spearheading the introduction of platinum-catalysed hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in Europe, offering new mobility options across major cities.
The London- and Johannesburg-listed corporation is partnering with FCEV taxi operator Hype under the banner of H2 Moves Europe to bring these eco-friendly vehicles to the continent.
Since launching in Berlin in 2022, the initiative has expanded to Paris and Brussels, with Hamburg reportedly the next stop. H2 Moves Europe has already achieved over eight million zero-emission kilometres across nearly 650,000 passenger journeys.
Key partners include Toyota Deutschland and SafeDriver-ennoo in Berlin, while Paris boasts a 250-strong hydrogen-powered FCEV taxi fleet, featuring models like the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, Peugeot e-Expert, and Citroën ë-Jumpy vans adapted for wheelchair access. Brussels follows a similar pattern, with a fleet of 50 FCEVs.
In each case, platinum group metals (PGMs) from South Africa play a crucial role, working alongside emission-free green hydrogen, which Hasan Akbulut, an academic expert, highlights on LinkedIn for its high energy content and its significance across various industries, including the chemicals sector.
Moreover, the New York Times reports that the Biden administration has finalised new rules offering substantial tax credits to companies producing hydrogen—an element efficiently produced using PGM-catalysed proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers and converted back into green electricity through PEM fuel cells.
Zero-emission PEM fuel cells are gaining traction in various sectors, from buses and commercial trucks to trains, ships, and power stations, providing clean energy solutions for both mobile and stationary needs.
Notably, Ballard Power Systems has secured contracts to supply fuel cell engines for zero-emission trains and city buses, validating the advantages of fuel cells as a sustainable transport alternative.
As hydrogen’s industrial applications grow, Bosch Hydrogen Energy reports a transition to large-scale PEM electrolysis systems with capacities in the hundreds of megawatts, positioning hydrogen as a major player in future energy production.
The global hydrogen movement is gaining momentum, with major cities and industries investing in projects to produce, store, and utilise hydrogen for greener energy solutions. From China to Europe and the US, hydrogen continues to emerge as a pivotal technology for decarbonising industries across the world.
