Carbon capture and utilisation technology a game-changer for high-emission industries
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has urged industries with high carbon emissions to collaborate with the government as it starts rolling out clean technology solutions.
Dr Nzimande was speaking at the Kelvin Power Station in Kempton Park on Wednesday, at a demonstration of the CoalCO2-X carbon capture and use (CCU) technology demonstration.
CoalCO2-X captures carbon and converts it into a fertiliser salt.
South Africa's energy and climate change needs make it critical to accelerate the use of science, technology and innovation to extract pollutants from the environment and convert them into renewable products.
The CCU technology supports South Africa's Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan. The long-term plan outlines exactly how South Africa will reduce its dependence on coal, acquire new sources of renewable energy, and build new industries and jobs for affected communities and workers.
The demonstration at Kelvin Power Station was the second demonstration of the CoalCO2-X technology in the country. The first, at the PPC Cement plant in Dwaalboom, Limpopo, showed how the coal-fired hard-to-abate cement industry could be decarbonised.
Currently, the CoalCO2-X initiative is supported by the Department of Science and Innovation in line with its Hydrogen Society Roadmap, and is being implemented by the Pretoria-based EPCM.
The Minister said the technology could play a significant role in reducing emissions in the hard-to-abate sectors while also ensuring South Africa's energy security.
"This technological innovation, at least in principle, but hopefully also in practice, will enable our country to ensure a strategic balance between our enduring reliance on coal to generate energy and our solid commitment to climate change mitigation," said the Minister.
Dr Nzimande emphasised the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, not only within and across government and its agencies, but also with the private and development sectors.
Describing the benefits of CoalCO2-X to industry and the country, EPCM CEO, Mr Tumi Kgomo, said it provided an affordable opportunity for the business to transition to clean energy use.
"For the first time, power plants will be able to diversify, using industrial chemicals that have been recycled to create circular commodities, which is a game changer," Kgomo explained, adding that the technology could assist the agricultural chemical industry. This would contribute to food security for South Africa.
The General Manager at Kelvin Power, Mr Oupa Seopa, welcomed the partnership with the government and EPCM Engineering, saying that the pilot was a step towards achieving net zero emissions at the plant.
The 600 MW coal-fired power station is one of only a few power stations in South Africa not owned by Eskom.
"We are hoping to keep the pilot at the plant for much longer than planned so we can prove its effectiveness beyond reasonable doubt and help us in our next decision-making as well," said Seopa.
For more information, please contact
Veronica Mohapeloa
E-mail: veronica.mohapeloa@dst.gov.za
Cell: 082 882 3818
