By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Electricity and Energy Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, conducted oversight visit at Medupi and Matimba Power Stations on Tuesday.
Ramokgopa’s visit formed part of the continued oversight on Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, with a focus on improving the reliability and performance of its power plants to end load shedding and ensure a more stable electricity supply.
This comes at the back of the utility making strides in stabilising its power system with an improved Energy Availability Factor (EAF), ensuring reliability during peak electricity demand.
South Africa has been spared of load shedding since May 15, Eskom’s generation fleet is steering towards greater stability, with 57% of its 14 coal-fired power stations now functioning at an EAF exceeding 70%, with three stations having surpassed a 90% operational efficiency.
Ramokgopa says technical challenges at the Matimba power station in Lephalale, Limpopo, were responsible for the last two bouts of load shedding.
He described the situation as a “setback”, especially considering the state-owned energy utility’s stated goal of achieving a full year without enforced power cuts.
“We are within touching distance of the resolution of load shedding. We are on the right track, and the trend line showing our efforts to reduce unplanned losses is positive, “he said at the time.
He also announced the official return of Unit Four at Medupi to the national grid after its explosion in August 2021.
“I really want to say that to the men and women here that the Medupi team has really exceeded our expectations with their young, black women and their exceptional competence and knowledge.” He expressed his appreciation for the team’s efforts in achieving the notable milestone of restoring Unit 4.
The return of the unit to service strengthens South Africa’s energy security and enhances the stability of electricity supply. With the return of Unit 4, all six units at Medupi are operational and will contribute a combined capacity of 4 800 MW to the national grid.
The unit’s return follows extensive repairs, which were made possible by the use of a refurbished generator stator that serves as an alternative to waiting for a brand new component.
Ramokgopa says the repair work at Medupi showcases the country’s engineering industry’s capability to solve complex problems.
The return of Medupi Unit 4 is a milestone in our strategic objective of achieving operational stability through the addition of 2 500 MW to the grid, added Ramokgopa.