The Wilhelm Frank Trust has committed significant funding to support Stellenbosch University’s (SU) “Clean Hydrogen Technology Programme” led by Prof Craig McGregor at the Faculty of Engineering. This five-year funding initiative, set to begin in 2025, aims to establish a state-of-the-art hydrogen laboratory within the faculty.
Prof McGregor, Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and Director of the Solar Thermal Energy Research Group (STERG) at SU, says: “This generous funding from the Wilhelm Frank Trust is pivotal in establishing the university as a leader in green hydrogen and electrolyser technology. It will enable us to build critical capacity through postgraduate training and acquire essential equipment for our electrolyser research.”
He adds: “With this support, we aim to position the university as the go-to institution for both academic and industrial partnerships. This aligns perfectly with our goal of contributing to South Africa’s green hydrogen ambitions and advancing sustainable energy solutions.”
Building on the foundation of the Hydrogen Engineering Research Platform (H2P), the initiative aims to establish SU as a leading international research partner and the top authority in clean hydrogen systems engineering in South Africa. The H2P programme, supported by the University’s Strategic Fund, will benefit immensely from this funding, addressing critical needs such as postgraduate bursaries and multi-disciplinary laboratory equipment.
The primary goal of this funding is to create a well-equipped, multi-disciplinary hydrogen laboratory. This facility will enable SU to achieve its aims in three key areas: electrolyser cell and stack manufacture, clean hydrogen fuel combustion and biogas upgrading. These advancements will not only enhance SU’s standing in the hydrogen sector but also contribute significantly to South Africa’s renewable energy goals.
The Wilhelm Frank Trust has a long history of supporting pioneering research at SU, including developing affordable, disease-specific bacterial and viral biosensors. The Trust, established in memory of Norman Frank, has provided over R21 million in bursaries and grants since 2002, significantly advancing research and innovation at the university.
[Article by Amber Viviers]
