The Green Engineering Research Group (GERD) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), headed by Prof Sudesh Rathilal and Dr Emmanuel Tetteh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the South African National Energy Development Institute to explore and strengthen their collaboration in producing hydrogen economy research. This momentous event was held at the Civic Engineering boardroom, Steve Biko campus in Durban on Tuesday, 20 August 2024.
The programme director was Mr Zwakele Ngubane, Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations at DUT. He commended SANEDI for partnering with DUT and approving funding of R2 million on the green hydrogen research that will have a significant impact on the DUT community and the society. The collaboration between SANEDI and DUT focuses on hydrogen production, catalysis, and the utilisation of renewable energy sources to support the hydrogen economy.
Welcoming the distinguished guests who had gathered to witness the MoU signing ceremony was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, Professor Fulufhlelo Nemavhola.
Prof Nemavhola indicated that DUT is in a process of establishing a full hydrogen research institute, which will look at hydrogen from the production, storage and usage phases.
“I have no doubt that we are going to be working together towards this vision. We are going to require a lot of capacity. That institute will be part of making sure that as DUT, we contribute towards producing research that impacts society and improves lives and livelihoods” shared Prof Nemavhola.
The guests which included the chemical engineering students at DUT were also enlightened to a robust public lecture by Professor Sampson Mamphweli, Head of Energy Secretariat at SANEDI. His lecture was titled: The Hydrogen and Energy Research, Development and innovation in South Africa. He gave insight on SANEDI’s green hydrogen projects across various higher education institutions and their aspirations for the future.
The public lecture was then followed by the official signing ceremony of the MoU between DUT and SANEDI which marked the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership.
Representing SANEDI on the signing ceremony was their Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe who was accompanied by his two witnesses, Professor Sampson Mampheli, Head of Energy Secretariat at SANEDI and Mr Morakanele Thipe, Manager at the office of the CEO at SANEDI. Signing on behalf of DUT was the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu who was accompanied by his two witnesses, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola and the Acting Executive Dean in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Professor Sudesh Rathilal.
Addressing the guests, SANEDI CEO, Dr Mathe highlighted that SANEDI’s legislative mandate is to direct, monitor, conduct and implement energy research and technology development in all fields of energy, other than nuclear energy. In addition, Dr Mathe mentioned that SANEDI strives to promote energy research and technology innovation.
Dr Mathe highlighted SANEDI’s priorities for the forthcoming five years, speaking about energy security, universal energy access and affordability, balanced just energy transition, climate change, service delivery, and gender mainstreaming and youth unemployment.
“In terms of universal access to affordable energy and balancing energy demand and supply for example loadshedding and liquid fuel shortage; SANEDI will provide the support that is needed in balancing energy demand and supply in the broader context of the country’s needs. Loadshedding and grid stability will be key focus areas for SANEDI in the coming years,” he stressed.
Dr Mathe gave a snapshot in the new focus areas for SANEDI which included energy planning and modelling, consolidation of energy, research and development
energy data and modelling, electricity market design, jet and smart grids, intergovernmental forums support and scaling up the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to make a megascale impact.
The DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu expressed his appreciation to SANEDI for partnering with DUT on this exciting project and for the generous funding which will assist in the establishment of the hydrogen research institute in the university.
“We are really excited at DUT, and especially in this era whereas part of our strategy (ENVISION2030) we are really trying to put ourselves in the forefront of so many developments in this country that ultimately past tributes to drive us. There is a meeting of strategy to look at not just the outputs of research but the outcomes and the impacts that we should be making in the broader society, not only within our local environment, but to reach our national news,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. The SANEDI team got an opportunity to engage with the Chemical Engineering students of DUT who will play an integral role in the green hydrogen project, going forward.
Pictured: DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe, signing the MoU with their witnesses.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Simangele Zuma/Waheeda Peters
