Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), together with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and Hydrogen South Africa (HySA), have handed over a locally developed mobile hydrogen refuelling station to the North-West University (NWU).

HySA is a DSTI national programme, launched in 2008, to develop and guide research, development and innovation in hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies.

The NWU refuelling station, developed by HySA Infrastructure in collaboration with TSAM, serves to support the advancement of hydrogen mobility, particularly for commercial transport applications.

It also serves as a live demonstration platform for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle technologies, showcased through the Toyota Mirai passenger car.

The refueller was developed using South African engineering expertise and complies with 42 international and local standards.

“Hydrogen is an important part of Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy for achieving carbon neutrality,” says TSAM new energy business development senior manager Anton Smalberger.

“This milestone is not only about new technology, but about building a viable hydrogen ecosystem that is safe, standards compliant and suitable for South African conditions.

“As a company, we are happy to support government’s goals towards the decarbonisation of the transport sector.”

Speaking at the event, DSTI director-general Dr Mlungisi Cele said the handover illustrated the successful translation of publicly-funded research into infrastructure that supported industrial development, skills creation and energy security, while enabling the decarbonisation of key sectors of the economy.

Alongside the refueller, the launch of a rapid prototyping, testing and training facility at the university is set to further strengthen South Africa’s hydrogen innovation capability, while also supporting the scaling of green hydrogen technologies in the country.

“Hydrogen commercialisation requires collaboration, patience and credibility,” notes Smallberger.

“This project demonstrates that South Africa can move from research to reality, and that Toyota is committed to being part of that journey in support of the country’s just energy transition.”