Johnson Matthey’s Platinum Today reported that as part of its efforts to “improve on the uses of platinum,” South Africa’s government is going to partner with Ballard Power Systems Inc. (TSX:BLD,NASDAQ:BLDP) and Anglo American Platinum Ltd. (OTC Pink:AGPPY) to begin field trials of a “methanol-fuelled ‘home generator’ prototype product designed for use in off-grid residential applications.”

Platinum-based fuel cells facilitate the provision of power that is clean, reliable and cost effective.

As quoted in the market news:

Godfrey Oliphant, South Africa’s deputy minister of mineral resources, made the announcement during his presentation to attendees of the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells 2013 International Conference and Exhibition in Vancouver.

‘We are very pleased to support the field trials of the home generator product being developed by Anglo American Platinum and Ballard Power Systems. Projects such as this are key in the development of new technologies which will stimulate the creation of jobs for the South African economy,’ he said.

The generator encompasses a complete fuel cell system, including fuel cell stack, methanol fuel processor and other components needed to meet the market requirements of rural electrification within a local mini-grid.

Click here to read the full Platinum Today report.