The upcoming hydrogen economy could find its ideal home in South Africa thanks to the high levels of platinum occurring naturally in the African state, according to the government.

Platinum is currently used as a catalyst for the conversion of hydrogen into electricity by hydrogen fuel cells and is found in high quantities in South Africa.

This fact is due to be highlighted today by the science and technology minister, Mosibudi Mangena, who will be hosting a discussion on the hydrogen economy and the emerging fuel cells industry in the country, BuaNews (Tschwane) reports.

The South African government is hoping to develop a science and knowledge base to ensure it plays a meaningful role in the worldwide hydrogen economy.

Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies have already been identified as "frontier science and technology" initiatives that should be actively pursued.

Currently around 87 per cent of known platinum reserves are found in South Africa, making it strategically well placed for any future hydrogen technology research and development.