Eskom today hosted the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, at its Research, Testing and Development (RT&D) facility in Johannesburg. The visit showcased progress in clean coal, green hydrogen and other technologies intended to strengthen operational performance, national energy security and a responsible energy transition,while building the capabilities required to deliver reliable, affordable and competitive electricity over the long term.
The visit took place two days after Eskom released its FY2025/26 annual results under the theme “From Recovery to Structural Sustainability.” The results highlighted sustained progress in Eskom’s turnaround, with the utility reporting a profit after tax of R30.3 billion for a second consecutive profitable year, achieving R22.4 billion in savings through its Cost Optimisation and Revenue Enhancement (CORE) programme, and improving its EAF to 65.16%. South Africa has also surpassed 470 consecutive days without loadshedding, while EAF increased further to 67.87% in August 2026, demonstrating how sustained operational and structural improvements are strengthening energy security and supporting long-term financial sustainability.
These achievements provide a stronger foundation for Eskom to sustain operational gains, modernise the electricity system and invest in the technologies and capabilities required for long-term structural sustainability. As the electricity sector evolves and customers increasingly prioritise reliability, affordability and sustainability, innovation is becoming a critical enabler of Eskom’s long-term competitiveness and ability to retain and attract customers.
RT&D supports this next phase by converting operational challenges into tested solutions and providing evidence for technology and investment decisions before deployment at scale. In doing so, it helps Eskom improve operational performance, strengthen energy security and identify technologies that can contribute to a more cost-effective electricity system over time.
Eskom announced that its clean coal research programme is on track to meet the target set in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, South Africa’s R2.1 trillion energy investment plan, which directs Eskom to pilot advanced domestic clean coal technologies and evaluate their local efficacy and emissions-reduction potential by 2030.
During the visit, the Minister viewed pilot-scale demonstrations at the Eskom Research and Innovation Centre, including the co-firing of ammonia with coal and, separately, torrefied biomass with coal. The demonstrations illustrated RT&D’s ability to translate research into practical solutions that can be tested, validated and ultimately deployed under South African operating conditions, helping Eskom improve efficiency, environmental performance and long-term value for customers.
Clean coal technology progress
Eskom’s clean coal portfolio includes Carbon Capture; Utilisation and Storage (CCUS); Direct Sorbent Injection Flue Gas Desulphurisation; co-firing; and High-Efficiency, Low-Emission (HELE) technologies. Approximately 45% of listed projects under Eskom’s emissions-reduction programme have been reported as completed, with the programme currently on schedule.
CCUS feasibility studies were concluded in 2025. The next stage is to finalise engineering studies for a proposed carbon-capture demonstration plant at Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga, designed to capture 22 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. Eskom is also progressing HELE engineering development towards a technology demonstration by 2030.
Pilot-scale testing of torrefied woody and corn biomass was conducted in December 2025. Testing at a 20% co-firing ratio indicated reductions in carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide, with a full-scale demonstration planned at Kriel Power Station by March 2027. Direct Sorbent Injection testing is also informing cost-effective sulphur dioxide reduction options for selected power stations.
By improving plant efficiency, reducing environmental compliance costs and identifying opportunities to optimise the performance of existing assets, these technologies have the potential to support more cost-effective electricity production while contributing to long-term system sustainability.
Green hydrogen and wider clean-energy research
Alongside clean coal research, Eskom is advancing work in green hydrogen, long-duration energy storage, Small Modular Reactor technologies, Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems, high-efficiency hybrid concentrator photovoltaics and battery energy storage systems.
The Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems research facility provides an integrated platform for evaluating grid stability and grid-forming technologies under high levels of renewable-energy penetration and variability. It also supports the assessment of emerging renewable-energy, storage, monitoring and grid-stability technologies, supporting a more resilient electricity network capable of meeting the evolving needs of customers and the economy.
Together, these programmes expand Eskom’s future technology options while supporting a cleaner, more flexible and resilient electricity system for South Africa. Evaluating multiple technology pathways allows Eskom to identify solutions that are technically viable, commercially practical and best suited to South African conditions before committing to large-scale deployment.
From recovery to deployment
Eskom’s FY2026 results demonstrate what disciplined execution can achieve. The priority is now to translate stronger operational and financial performance into long-term structural sustainability by embedding the capabilities required to maintain performance, support economic growth and respond to the evolving needs of customers and the electricity market. For RT&D, this means accelerating proven concepts through demonstration and into deployment where they are technically sound, commercially viable and capable of delivering measurable operational or environmental value.
As a leading African centre for power-generation research, applied energy technology, specialised testing, technical consulting and innovation, RT&D plays a critical role in helping Eskom convert innovation into operational value. The facility also contributes to the development of specialist engineering, scientific and technical skills required to operate, modernise and expand South Africa’s electricity system.
Through its laboratories, technical expertise, modelling, validation, pilot projects and strategic partnerships, the facility supports informed technology decisions that enhance energy security, improve operational performance and contribute to a cleaner, more competitive electricity future. By developing and validating technologies that improve reliability, efficiency, environmental performance and cost competitiveness, RT&D is helping Eskom translate recovery into long-term capability and structural sustainability. As South Africa’s electricity market evolves, these capabilities will become increasingly important in enabling Eskom to deliver reliable, affordable and competitive electricity, support economic growth and remain the energy partner of choice for customers across the country.
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Nthato Motlana – Dr. Nthato Motlana is ‘the renaissance man’ of South Africa, with successful careers in politics, medicine and business. He was the founder of NAIL and a mentor to many of the top business leaders in South Africa today. He is considered by many to be the father of economic empowerment in South Africa.