CSIR, Eskom, SANEDI, Coaltech Launch HELE CFB Localisation Programme

Why It Matters

The programme could boost coal‑plant efficiency and cut emissions while safeguarding South Africa’s energy security during its transition to a diversified grid, creating domestic industrial and job growth.

Key Takeaways

• Phase 1 assesses feasibility for pilot HELE CFB plant.
• Programme aligns with South Africa’s IRP 2025 energy goals.
• Aims to localise advanced coal technology and supply chain.
• Generates data for policy, investment and regulatory decisions.
• Supports skills development while reducing coal‑plant emissions.

Pulse Analysis

The high‑efficiency low‑emission (HELE) circulating fluidised bed (CFB) system represents one of the most promising clean‑coal solutions on the market today. By operating at lower combustion temperatures and integrating advanced heat‑recovery cycles, HELE CFB can lift thermal efficiency above 45 % while cutting sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions by up to 50 % compared with conventional pulverised‑coal units. International pilots in Europe and Asia have demonstrated these gains, positioning the technology as a bridge for economies that must retain coal in the short‑term but still aim for tighter environmental standards.

In South Africa, coal still supplies roughly 70 % of electricity, and the Integrated Resource Plan 2025 (IRP 2025) acknowledges this reality while charting a path toward a more diversified grid. The IRP calls for modernising existing plants, improving system flexibility, and evaluating cleaner alternatives such as HELE CFB. The newly launched localisation programme, led by CSIR, Eskom, SANEDI and Coaltech, targets a pilot‑scale facility that will generate locally relevant performance data, cost models and regulatory frameworks. This evidence base is crucial for policymakers weighing the trade‑offs between energy security, emissions targets and investment risk.

Beyond the technical merits, the programme is a catalyst for domestic industrial development. By localising design, engineering and component manufacturing, South Africa can nurture a supply chain that creates high‑skill jobs and reduces reliance on imported equipment. The initiative also dovetails with broader skills‑development agendas, offering training opportunities in advanced combustion, emissions monitoring and digital twins. If Phase 1 progresses to a demonstration plant, the resulting data could unlock financing for future projects, attract foreign partners, and demonstrate that a cleaner, flexible coal pathway is viable within a transitioning energy system.