Johannesburg, South Africa. BurnStar Technologies (Pty) Ltd and Mitochondria Energy Company (Pty) Ltd have signed a Letter of Intent establishing the commercial and technical framework for the on-site supply of turquoise hydrogen to power Mitochondria’s expanding fleet of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems.
Under the agreement, BurnStar will deploy its internationally patented Liquid-Metal Bubble-Column (LMBC) methane pyrolysis reactor producing high-purity hydrogen with zero direct CO? emissions. The hydrogen will fuel Mitochondria’s modular 50 kW containerised units, which deliver 24/7 baseload power at electrical efficiencies of up to 60% and up to 90% when combined with heat.
Mitochondria, currently in its demonstration phase, is in progress to deploy fifteen fuel cell systems in a phased rollout beginning in late 2026, with a combined installed capacity of 800 kW. The partnership anticipates that selected units will be supplied with an annual hydrogen off-take of up to 200 tons per year, supplied continuously from BurnStar’s on-site production plants.
“This partnership brings together two complementary South African technologies to deliver clean, reliable power without the constraints that have stalled hydrogen projects elsewhere,” said Dr Johan Brand of BurnStar Technologies. “Our LMBC reactor produces hydrogen at the purity the fuel cells require, directly, without additional purification, and does so without consuming water or emitting CO?. At BurnStar, we offer Guilt-Free Hydrogen, and we are able to decarbonise at scale ”
Mitochondria’s flagship Project Phoenix, is the first development in the Mitochondria Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub – a roadmap to unlock the economic potential that Hydrogen holds for the future of South Africa. Anchored in Gauteng, Mitochondria has committed a total of R4.3bn towards the development of its operations and manufacturing capabilities in this region.
“Mitochondria is positioned to play a meaningful role in South Africa’s evolving energy landscape through its hydrogen technologies – developed by Africans for Africa. We are excited to work with BurnStar on what we believe is a critical enabler for the commercial demonstration of fuel cell power in South Africa,” said Jan van der Merwe, CEO of Mitochondria Energy
Company. “The market is ready for a new reliable power generation option that is clean, affordable and scalable. This partnership will catalyse , overcoming many of the constraints that have slowed adoption globally. By combining BurnStar’s on-site turquoise hydrogen production with our high efficiency fuel cell systems, we are able to deliver clean power solutions to market far more quickly. Together, we are accelerating the transition from pilot projects to real-world deployment.”
BurnStar’s LMBC process converts methane into hydrogen and solid elemental carbon, sidestepping the carbon emissions associated with conventional hydrogen production methods. The solid carbon co-product, used across rubber, steel, agriculture, and advanced materials markets, provides an additional revenue stream that strengthens the commercial viability of the supply arrangement.
The phased deployment is expected to begin with a pilot integration in Q1 2027, followed by a targeted roll-out focusing on high impact projects to showcase the commercial viability of this hydrogen solution. The Parties will form a Joint Technical Working Group within 30 days and complete a joint feasibility study within three months, with a definitive Hydrogen Supply and Off-Take Agreement targeted within six months.
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Author: DAVID DE MATTOS from BurnStar Technologies on behalf of BurnStar Technologies.
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David Beresford: David Beresford is a South African journalist who has worked for The Guardian and The Independent. He is
known for his reporting on South Africa during the apartheid era.
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