The TESP programme focuses on developing capacity at higher education institutions to undertake research in areas related to Eskom’s business and to develop centres of specialisation. Grants are awarded to universities and universities of technology for use by academics. Technical directors from Eskom are appointed to interface with e academics, provide guidance and review progress reports on the research projects. The 2008 grant amounted to R8 235 000 (2007: R6 935 000).

The aims of the grants are for academics to develop research capacity and for post graduate student bursaries, research equipment, local and overseas travel in connection with the research and research assistants.  The objective is for academics to be able to do contract research for Eskom and to assist in the development of Eskom’s undergraduate bursary students.

Chairs are supported at Fort Hare University for a renewable energy project and at the University of the Western Cape for a fuel cells project.