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Tuberculosis (TB) patients at Windsor East Clinic in Randburg, Johannesburg, can now be certain of uninterrupted treatment, thanks to a pilot project to provide alternative power to the clinic during times of load shedding.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the City of Johannesburg have partnered with the private sector in this project to use hydrogen fuel cell technology (HFCT) to bring standby power to the clinic.

The clinic treats mainly patients infected with TB and had been experiencing problems with preserving TB vaccines in its pharmacy's refrigerators, due to load shedding. The medicine is extremely sensitive to temperature, and if it is not kept at the correct temperature it can become ineffective, putting people at risk.

Private sector partners in this project include Air Products, who supplied hydrogen, Clean Energy Investments, who are implementing the project, Gridline Construction, who supplied infrastructure, and Powertech IST Industrial, who supplied the fuel cells.

HFCT standby power solutions are efficient, reliable, safe and, most importantly, quiet, ensuring a non-intrusive standby and – potentially – primary power solution.

Speaking at the launch of the project, the DST Deputy Director-General for Technology Innovation, Mmboneni Muofhe, expressed excitement at the partnership to address power problems at the clinic, and, most importantly, to improve the quality of life of the patients.

According to Mr Muofhe, the project addresses four critical issues, namely, access to energy, security of supply, affordability and protection of the environment, which are central to the DST's research into alternative energy solutions.

Clean Energy Investments and Air Products completed a feasibility assessment of hydrogen distribution and safe storage to ensure compliance with international codes and standards. Installation was completed in April 2015 and the technology has already generated 51 hours of reliable standby power.

Gavin Coetzer, the CEO of Clean Energy Investments, said the provision of hydrogen-based technologies to the clinic demonstrated the capabilities and expertise of all the partners. "It is always exciting to work on a public-private partnership project, where like-minded individuals get together to successfully implement a project that addresses the immediate needs of the community."

Managing Director of Air Products South Africa, Mike Hellyar, said the energy-efficiency and improved healthcare delivery enabled by hydrogen fuel cells encapsulated the commitment to remain at the forefront of continuously improving innovation and technology in South Africa. "We do so, not only for the benefit of the community, in line with our corporate social investment drive, but also to benefit other industry sectors and commercially-driven initiatives in the future."

Issued by the Department of Science and Technology