Ahead of Earth Day on April 22, industry body the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) has highlighted platinum’s role in decarbonisation as a key transition metal for the energy transition.
It states that platinum has unique and chemical properties and is creating a hydrogen value chain, producing green hydrogen and generating fossil-fuel-free electricity.
The WPIC says platinum is enabling industry to reduce environmental impacts by decarbonising steel.
Also, the expansion of fuel cell technology is contributing to zero-emissions transport, it notes.
In terms of the green hydrogen build-out, electrolyser capacity is growing, doubling every two years, the council points out.
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology uses platinum catalysts in two important applications – electrolysers to produce hydrogen, and hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity from hydrogen, the organisation outlines.
A PEM electrolyser produces carbon-free green hydrogen from renewable energy, while fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are a major market for hydrogen fuel cells.
When an FCEV is powered with green hydrogen it provides completely emissions-free transportation, the WPIC highlights.
It notes that the FCEV market is developing as new models are brought to market.