South Africa uses direct combustion of coal for its bulk power generation. The air emissions of noxious gases which includes carbon emissions is a continuous challenge. South African power stations have historically employed best practices for managing air emissions.  South Africa has also pioneered the coal to gas to liquid technology in the production of synfuels; Sasol. South Africa is in need for a just transition away from direct coal combustion.  This paper explores the theory and global practices of coal gasification, reviews the recent research efforts on advances in the processes and questions if the approach could be a partial contribution towards a just transition in South Africa’s bulk power generation.  The South African economy is a coal driven economy and every engineering contribution that includes the management and use of this natural resource has merit. In conclusion, the paper explores the idea of introducing the required heat for gasification from a small modular nuclear reactor; to go one step ahead in terms of introducing the emerging hydrogen economy whilst UNFCCC puts to rest the old coal economy by 2050.