- In an X post, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, commented that a significant milestone has been reaach in resolving the energy deficit (load shedding) in the country.
- He said that ESKOM’s achievement of an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 65.5%, last attained in 2021, confirms the success of the aggressive maintenance-led recovery strategy, despite its inherent risks (short-term pain for long-term gain).
- Eskom has not confirmed the achievement and their data contradicts the electricity minister’s announcement.
- Eskom data reveals that the EAF stands at around 58% at this point in time.
The ministers post reads:
“This milestone validates the viability of the ESKOM fleet of Generation units and signifies the most efficient path to ending load shedding. With the proven success of this performance, the focus now shifts to maintaining and enhancing it.
The return of Medupi Unit 4 (800MW), Koeberg Unit 2 (980MW) and the synchronisation of Kusile Unit 6(800MW), a total of 2580 MW in the next 6 months, is a welcomed addition to generation capacity. These orchestrated improvements and new capacity means that we have breached peak loadshedding.
The state incentivised rooftop solar rollout, ontrack to reach installed capacity of 6000MW by year end, is an indispensable part of the energy calculus in the country. Government induced (through a suite of thoroughgoing reforms) private sector sponsored new generation capacity is critical to the attainment of energy sovereignty.
We have indeed turned the corner, the ending of loadshedding is within touching distance.” Minister in the Presidency for Electricity.
Latest Eskom EAF data
The latest Eskom week-on-week energy availability factor (EAF) for 2024. Data source: Eskom. Image credit: Chris Yelland. Chris is an energy analyst, consultant, electrical engineer, public speaker, writer and MD at EE Business Intelligence (Pty) Ltd. Follow Chris on X – @chrisyelland
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
