Eskom seeks clean energy to repurpose coal-fired power stations

Eskom is seeking low-carbon solutions to repurpose the coal-fired stations that are scheduled for decommissioning, according to tender documents.

The state-owned power company has published an expression of interest for proposals, focusing on its Komati, Grootvlei and Camden coal-fired plants, to reduce "its environmental impact through the establishment of sustainable low-carbon industries at previous carbon-intensive power plants."

The utility, which accounts for about 42% of the nation’s total greenhouse gases, also wants the solutions to include job creation and the reskilling of employees. Most of its generation fleet uses coal to produce electricity.

Submissions close on 10 June, according to the documents.

Eskom said another benefit would be the "potential creation of spin-off special purpose vehicles, in which Eskom may choose to have a shareholding, thus creating additional revenue streams."