Eskom’s Research, Testing & Development (RT&D) business unit plays a critical role in supporting the organisation with scientific and technical expertise. It is based at the Eskom Research & Innovation Centre (ERIC) in Rosherville, Johannesburg. The business unit provides research, testing, consulting and strategic technical planning services that help guide Eskom’s technological direction. The unit’s key function is to open new technological opportunities by offering RT&D support for emerging and cutting-edge technologies, creating partnerships with universities, Universities of Technology (UoTs), Further Education and Training colleges (FETs), and research institutions to address technological and skills challenges faced by Eskom plants.
RT&D’s research agenda is primarily driven by the needs of Eskom’s line divisions, which represent the company’s core business and are the primary beneficiaries of its work. As such, the business unit focuses on applied research that delivers practical, operational solutions aligned with Eskom’s strategic objectives. However, the unit also dedicates resources to exploring technology innovation and emerging technologies to ensure Eskom remains competitive and sustainable.
RT&D’s work contributes to Eskom’s sustainability, balancing financial, social and environmental factors while strengthening Eskom’s internal competencies and ensuring the company remains at the forefront of energy technology advancements.
Services
Research – operational, applied, strategic and basic research, pilots and demonstrations. |
Specialised consulting – focusing on high-impact technical challenges as prescribed in the service level agreements (SLAs) with the line divisions, Eskom subsidiaries, Eskom Rotek Industries and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA). |
Specialised testing and analytical services – routine and specialised laboratory testing and analytical services for the line divisions. |
Intellectual Property – knowledge management, development and incubation of innovation. |
RT & D Mission
Our mission includes, among others, to:
- Deliver novel solutions and services for customers’ growth, sustainability and competitiveness by exploring cutting-edge technologies or business opportunities in the local and regional energy industry.
- Pioneer the introduction and rapid piloting/demonstration of cleaner energy technologies in a safe, cost-effective and sustainable manner.
- Be the go-to hub for new technology research, development, testing, and consulting in the energy industry by exploiting the resources and capabilities within RT&D.
Strategic Objectives
- Identification, research, incubation and operationalisation of growth areas and technologies that will make Eskom competitive and achieve the goal of being a Clean and Green Eskom by 2035;
- Driving applied research and pilot testing, which supports the reduction and mitigation of Eskom’s environmental impact;
- Adopting a strategy to only pilot/demonstrate proven technologies without completely neglecting futuristic research;
- Collaborating with local universities, UoTs, TVET Colleges, SOEs, international bodies and local Professional Research Service Contractors to accelerate research and innovation aimed at addressing Eskom’s technical challenges, localising technologies, providing knowledge solutions and manufacturing opportunities for the inclusive and sustainable advancement of the electricity industry, while building research skills and competency;
- Conducting research, development and innovation of transformative technologies and accelerating their diffusion;
- Promoting business excellence through shaping and safeguarding quality, safety and environmental requirements.
Knowledge Management
Research is a critical skill that RT&D embraces and supports to ensure sustainable development and transformation in the science, engineering and technology sectors in South Africa. Knowledge transfer is supported by RT&D to enable skills development in South Africa. Researchers, scientists, organisations or students seeking to access Eskom-owned data for further research or academic studies are welcome to request so, subject to meeting the set data release requirements.
To speak to us, please contact the Intellectual Property Management Office at [email protected] for more information.
