Full video: Media Briefing to update on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan – May 5, 2023
- The South African Government Communication and Information System hosted a media briefing updating on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan.
- Speaking at the briefing, Eskom’s new head of generation, Mr Bheki Nxumalo, explained that Eskom was short of 3000MW due to breakdowns at coal-fired and nuclear power stations.
- He stressed that it was going to be an extremely difficult winter.
Nxumalo said Eskom management and the board were finalising a plan detailing how the power utility would improve the performance of power stations during winter. Nxumalo said Eskom would still focus on the maintenance of its five worst-performing power stations (Tutuka, Kendal, Majuba, Duvha and Matla) to improve their performance.
In another press released issued from Eskom yesterday, they reported that breakdowns are currently at 17 245MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 4 468MW. Loadshedding will fluctuate between stage 3 and 4 over the weekend.
Since yesterday morning, a generating unit each at Hendrina, Lethabo and Tutuka power stations have returned to service.
Over the past 24 hours a generation unit each at Camden, Kendal, Majuba, and two generating units at Duvha power stations were taken out of service due to breakdowns. Furthermore, the delay in returning units to service at Arnot, Camden, Hendrina, Kendal and Matla power stations continue to add to the current capacity constraints. The team is working around the clock to ensure that generating units are returned to service as soon as possible.
The most recent update on the system on twitter reports – 06 May 2023: Due to the further breakdown of a generating units in the early hours of the morning, Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented at 05:00 this morning until 16:00 (previously Stage 3 loadshedding communicated). Eskom will publish a further update as soon as there are any significant changes.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
