Eskom to invest in research to reduce coal emissions

South African Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has emphasized the importance of Eskom’s Research, Testing and Development (RT&D) Centre in driving the utility toward a greener future. During a visit to the Johannesburg facility, Ramokgopa stated that investment in research and innovation is essential to positioning Eskom as a technological leader.

A primary focus of the center is developing technologies to reduce emission levels at coal-fired power stations to comply with regulations issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. While acknowledging that jurisdictions like China and Japan are more advanced in emission-reducing technology, Ramokgopa noted that Eskom is making progress toward commercial scale.

The minister indicated that coal will remain a significant part of South Africa’s broader energy mix, allowing the country to exploit its natural resources while meeting environmental obligations. This strategy aims to balance traditional coal usage with renewable energy potential through initiatives like Eskom Green.