Eskom, the state-owned energy utility in South Africa, is exploring using carbon capture technology at a number of its coal-fired power facilities, pending financial sustainability. With the government pursuing cleaner energy sources as part of its transition to a greener future, carbon capture will allow coal to be used more sustainably.

Despite the rapid adoption of renewable energy projects around the country, South Africa’s electricity consumption continues to outstrip supply. Carbon capture is the best answer for keeping an environmentally favourable power supply rather than abandoning fossil fuel power generating.

Andre de Ryter, the CEO of Eskom, believes that carbon capture will allow for a considerable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of which the firm is now the largest contributor in South Africa, while allowing the resource to be used indefinitely. With coal being the country’s principal power generation source and demand growing at a rapid pace, Eskom is dedicated to reducing its environmental imprint while expanding electricity supply.

He said: “We need large geological structures to ensure that the carbon dioxide is captured and stored safely so it cannot escape.”