The Mitochondria Campus – fuel cell manufacturing facility for Project Phoenix, South Africa – update

28th April 2023 By: Sheila Barradas - Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

The Mitochondria Campus – fuel cell manufacturing facility for Project Phoenix, South Africa – update

Photo by: Mitochondria Energy

Name of the Project
The Mitochondria Campus – fuel cell manufacturing facility for Project Phoenix.

Location
Gauteng, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Fuel cell developer Mitochondria Energy.

Project Description
The project involves the construction of a fuel cell manufacturing facility in the Vaal Special Economic Zone, forming part of the wider Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub development concept.

The aim is to develop manufacturing capacity to build fuel cell systems of up to 375 MW/a, MVA with plans to increase capacity over time as demand rises. Included in the project is the local manufacturing of the fuel cell stacks.

During the phases to follow, electrolysers, and fuel cells for mobility applications will be developed. A strong focus will be on the supply chain of the new hydrogen economy.

Potential Job Creation
The proposed facility will directly employ 150 people in the first year. Indirect jobs for the construction and maintenance of the fuel cell systems are targeted above 1000 people employed.

Capital Expenditure
Phase 1 is estimated at R1.2 billion. South Africa’s State-owned Industrial Development Corporation and the Development Bank of Southern Africa, as well as Mitochondria participated in the bankable feasibility study for the project

Phase 2 is estimated at R3.1 billion. Discussion is under way with potential funders of the second phase.

Planned Start/End Date
Soil-turning is expected in 2023, with the first fuel cells being produced in 2025, and full-scale commercialisation expected in 2028.

Latest Developments
The top structure concept design for The Mitochondria Campus has been completed.

The bankable feasibility study is in the final closing stages.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
AVL – Engineering Consultants (prefeasibility study and bankable feasibility study); Jendamark (assembly specialists); Hatch Africa (leading advisory and engineering company);TKDS Consulting (boutique infrastructure solutions).

Contact Details for Project Information
Mitochondria Energy, tel +27 11 486 1555 or email info@mitochondria.co.za.