- South Africa’s state owned and state run energy utility, Eskom, reports that after nine days of good generation performance and no loadshedding, it is necessary to replenish emergency reserves ahead of the anticipated cold weather that will increase the demand for electricity over the next few days.
- As such Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 today until 16:00 on Monday.
- Thereafter, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 until 05:00 on Tuesday, followed by Stage 2 loadshedding until 16:00.
- This pattern will be repeated daily until further notice.
Breakdowns are currently at 16 150MW of generating capacity while the capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 5 950MW. Over the past 24 hours, a generation unit each at Duvha, Grootvlei, Kusile and Matimba power stations was taken offline for repairs. In the same period, a generation unit at Kriel Power Station was returned to service.
Eskom week-on-week energy availability factor EAF has broken the 60% barrier, reaching 60.46% in Week 42, 2023. Image credit: Chris Yelland – EE Business Intelligence. Data source: Eskom
Respected energy analyse, Chris Yelland- CEO, EE Business Intelligence, reports on his X feed that Eskom week-on-week energy availability factor (EAF) has broken the 60% barrier, reaching 60.46% in Week 42, 2023. This reverses the usual declining trend and is largely due to three 800MW generation units returning to service at Kusile coal fired power station after temporary repairs were carried out. The units have been returned to service after Eskom was granted permission to bypass the plant’s Flue Gas Desulphurization equipment and emit unabated sulphur dioxide (SO2) and increased mercury emissions.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
