On 31 December, Eskom announced the successful synchronisation of Unit 5 at the Kusile Power Station Project.
After six months of testing and optimisation, this unit will officially join the commercial operation, adding 800 MW to the national grid.
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As per IOL, Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom’s group executive for generation, shared his enthusiasm for the synchronisation:
‘As part of the Generation Recovery Plan, the synchronisation of Kusile Unit 5 marks another significant milestone in sustainability, improving our generation performance. This will contribute much-needed power to the grid,’ Nxumalo said.
Nxumalo remarked on the broader impact of Eskom’s recent advancements, including the reintegration of three units since September 2023, cumulatively contributing 3 200 MW to the grid, and noted the ongoing efforts to improve Eskom’s energy availability factor (EAF) and bolster the nation’s electricity capacity.
Calib Cassim, Eskom’s acting group chief executive, echoed Nxumalo’s positive outlook:
‘There is enormous effort made to continue the remarkable progress on the new build programme and the Generation Recovery Plan. We remain focused on improving the performance of the Generation fleet to reduce the impact of load shedding felt countrywide and to lessen the costs of supplementing capacity using the diesel-powered plant,’ he said.
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In addition to Unit 5’s success, Eskom provided updates on the Kusile Power Station Project. Unit 6 is reportedly under construction and commissioning, and upon completion, the station will consist of six units, generating a maximum of 4 800 MW.
This makes it South Africa’s largest construction project and the world’s fourth-largest coal plant.
Eskom pointed out that Kusile is the first power station in South Africa and Africa to employ wet flue gas desulphurisation (WFGD) technology. This reduces sulphur dioxide emissions from flue gas, aligning the station with international air quality standards.
Eskom also shared updates on the ongoing repair work for the permanent stack of units 1, 2 and 3, noting that there are intensified efforts to bring Medupi Unit 4 back into service by the end of July 2024.
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