Cape Town – Eskom has announced the successful reactivation of an additional unit at the Kusile Power Station, contributing an extra 800MW to the power grid.
This follows the return of unit 3 at the end of September, leaving only unit 2 to be restored.
Units 1 and 3 now contribute a total of 1,600MW to the grid, indicating progress in reducing load shedding.
“The two units (1 and 3) are both adding 1,600MW back into the grid, improving the available generation capacity. This signifies that Eskom is on the right path to reducing and ultimately ending load shedding,” Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said.
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa welcomed the return of unit 1, saying it strengthens generation performance and is ahead of schedule.
“We welcome the return to service of Kusile Unit 1, ahead of schedule. The return of unit 1 continues to strengthen the stability of generation performance.
BREAKING NEWS | @Eskom_SA – Kusile Power Station Unit 1 is now on load
“We welcome the return to service of Kusile Unit 1, ahead of schedule. The return of unit 1 continues to strengthen the stability of generation performance & adds 800MW into the grid.” Dr @Kgosientsho_R pic.twitter.com/tLLmNVfczT
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) October 16, 2023
“The unit which had been out of commission since August 2022, following safety concerns with the structural integrity of the stack, returns ahead of its planned return date,” Ramokgopa said.
The third unit is expected to return in November 2023, and unit 5 in December 2023.
These developments signify progress in reducing and ultimately ending load shedding, which has been a significant issue in South Africa.
These units were previously idled due to safety concerns and licensing restrictions, but the restoration of Kusile units is seen as a positive step toward resolving the energy capacity problem.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
