Eskom reports Unit 3 at Kusile has been reconnected with the Flue Gas Desulphurisation plant

• On the 23rd of October 2022, a section of the Kusile Unit 1 flue gas duct (the equivalent of a chimney in a household) exiting the sulphur dioxide absorber failed on the horizontal rubber expansion joint as well as the compensator (a bend to direct flue gas up the chimney and allow for thermal expansion of the chimney).
• The damage happened whilst the unit was on forced shutdown for Flue Gas De-sulphuration recirculating pump repairs.
• Eskom reports that Kusile Unit 3 has returned to service after being reconnected with the Flue Gas Desulphurisation plant and its main stack reinstated. 

On 05 June 2023, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE’s) National Air Quality Officer granted Eskom a postponement in terms of the Minimum Emission Standards (MES) pertaining to the sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emission levels at Kusile Power Station. An updated Atmospheric Emission Licence (AEL) to Kusile Power Station to reflect this postponement decision was issued to Eskom on 13 June 2023. Civil society has appealed the decision. Read more 

The postponement allowed Eskom to operate units 1, 2, and 3 without utilising the Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) plant. This plant is equipped with emission-abatement technology for SO₂. The allowance extends until 31 March 2025, during which time the flue gas ducts in the permanent stack must be repaired.

Eskom is one of the worlds biggest air polluters. Read more

Unit 1 flue gas duct coupler to the chimney stack disconnected. Image credit: Karin Morrow – Twitter

Eskom is pleased to announce that Kusile Unit 3 has returned to service after being reconnected with the FGD system and its main stack reinstated, in line with the authorisations from the DFFE. The main stack, which was damaged on 22 October 2022, required temporary environmental authorisations during the permanent stack reinstatement.

“This accomplishment marks another significant milestone in our Generation Operational Recovery Plan. Unit 2 and 1 are scheduled to complete their reinstatement on 26 March and 25 June 2025, respectively. All three units will be compliant with the DFFE directive,” said Eskom in a statement.

Author: Bryan Groenendaal