New partnership to accelerate fuel cell research

UCT is on its way to developing ever newer and more innovative technologies after cementing its research relationship with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE (Fraunhofer ISE).

Having developed a valuable working relationship over the years, UCT’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Dr Christopher Helbing – the director of Fraunhofer ISE’s division of hydrogen technologies – decided to formalise the collaboration at a recent ceremony.

The parties came together in February 2018 to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that is centred around hydrogen technologies. The document was signed in the presence of the president of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Professor Reimund Neugebauer.

Under this document, experts from both institutions will collaborate in activities to accelerate progress in the fields of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

Fraunhofer ISE’s work in hydrogen technologies is comprised of fundamental research into the production, conversion and catalytic processing of hydrogen. It also includes models to investigate the role of hydrogen in future energy systems.

Speaking at the signing of the MOU, Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price said that he “hoped this was the beginning of a long partnership between UCT and Fraunhofer ISE”.