About the Project
About the Project
Reliable process steam, without coal.
Coal Zero by Green Steam is an industrial decarbonization solution designed to deliver reliable process steam without coal combustion. The system combines renewable heat, thermal storage, heat pump technology, and intelligent controls to provide continuous steam for industrial operations.
The first deployment is planned as a pilot in South Africa, with the goal of demonstrating a scalable model for food and beverage industries and other energy-intensive sectors.
How the system works
How the system works From sunlight to industrial-grade steam.
Solar heat capture
Solar collectors capture heat and deliver thermal energy into the steam generation process.
Thermal storage
A phase change material storage unit stores heat and helps maintain stable steam production.
Steam upgrading
Low-temperature steam is upgraded through a high-efficiency compression system to reach industrial operating conditions.
Feedwater preheating
Feedwater is preheated before entering the boiler circuit, which improves overall energy efficiency.
Digital optimization
A digital control layer continuously optimizes operation, tracks performance, and supports remote monitoring.
Performance
Specification
8,760
tons
Annual steam productiont
178
°C
Saturated steam condition
20.09
%
Thermal energy from solar
1
ton/hour
Steam output
Business Model
Heat as a Service
Instead of requiring the client to invest in the full capital cost upfront, the customer pays for steam delivered under a long-term service contract. This model reduces adoption risk, improves affordability, and supports long-term performance monitoring. It also allows clean steam to compete with conventional fossil-based steam on an operational basis.
HaaS / SaaS
Heat or Steam as a Service, billed on delivered output.
Fixed price
Long term contracts insulate clients from fuel and carbon
volatility.
Buyout
Optional client buyout of the system after year 10.
SPV-financed
Special-purpose vehicles carry capital, removing plant capex.
Gender Equality & Social Inclusion
GESI in Training & Employment
The project integrates a dedicated GESI Action Plan to ensure women, youth, and underrepresented groups in the Cape Winelands industrial region benefit directly from the transition to clean industrial heat, using targeted training, mentorship programmes, diversified hiring, and women-focused procurement to open fair access to jobs, skills, and opportunities across the local industrial ecosystem.
Technical Training for Women
50%
≥ 50% female engineering trainees
Workforce Diversification
40%
≥ 40% women & youth in new O&M hires
Mentorship Programs
> 2
≥ 2 mentees per project year participating in mentorship
Procurement Targets
1
At least 1 contract awarded to a local women owned enterprise.
Co-Financing Summary
$2,947,238
UNIDO Grant (requested)
Equipment, engineering, implementation
$850,000
Broad Reach Energy
Confirmed co-investment (infra, O&M, digital)
$3,797,238
Total Project Budget
22.38 % self-financing share
Consortium Partners
A consortium of complementary expertise
