Houses in the Guyuni community in Limpopo, near Exxaro’s Tshikondeni Mine, had never enjoyed the simple luxury of electricity until Exxaro partnered with the Alternative Energy Development Corporation (AEDC) to bring zinc air fuel cells to the village. This is the largest commercial zinc-air fuel cell project for basic electricity in the world to date, and shows that Exxaro is serious about improving the quality of life of the communities around its mines

All households have been equipped with zinc-air fuel cells, and community members now enjoy the benefits of proper lighting and power for radios, cellphone chargers and small appliances drawing less than 35W. They are also saving money – the operating cost of the cells is less than the cost of candles and paraffin.

In addition to cheaper, better-quality light, community members now have the opportunity to use the energy to create their own employment. The cells can be used to power haircutters, sewing machines, soldering irons and for charging cordless power tools. They can even power a computer with internet access. A service shop has been established to service fuel cells and other electrical items, and to supply new fuel cell anodes. The shop will also receive a much-needed photocopier as a value-added service to the community and its learners.

These cells are kind to the environment – once their energy is exhausted, the zinc anodes are fully recycled, so no pollution or toxic chemicals are created in the recharging process. A vegetable garden was set up in the community where waste water is used and zinc oxide serves as a fertilizer.

Easy, affordable energy

The zinc-air fuel cell can power lights, radios, small TVs, cellphone chargers and other small appliances that draw less than 35W.

• The cells are designed to deliver uninterrupted power for up to 240 hours before the anode needs changing.
• The fuel set comes in a neat carry case with a plug outlet.
• If more energy is required, the cells can be linked in parallel – so two cells could be used to power a fridge that requires 60W.
• AEDC also supplies a range of appliances compatible with the cells, including a deep freeze, colour TV and DVD player combo, an anti-malaria vapourising unit, and a PC and flat-screen LCD monitor combination.