Minister of Electricity Welcomes Developments in Generation Performance

In a significant boost to South Africa’s electricity generation capacity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, expressed his satisfaction with the recent developments in Eskom’s generation performance. The Minister commended Eskom’s achievements, particularly the early return to service of Unit 1 at Kusile Power Station, which had been out of commission since August 2022 due to safety concerns with the structural integrity of the stack.

The return of Unit 1 at Kusile Power Station, two months ahead of schedule, is a notable milestone that injects an additional 800 megawatts (MW) into the national grid. This welcome development has also contributed to an overall improvement in the generation performance of Kusile Power Station, with Unit 3, which resumed operations on September 29, 2023, also returning to service ahead of schedule.

The reactivation of these critical units comes as a positive step toward strengthening South Africa’s energy infrastructure and improving the country’s energy security. The remaining Unit 2 is expected to follow suit and return to service in November 2023, while Unit 5 is scheduled to enter commercial operation in December 2023.

Minister Ramokgopa emphasized the crucial role played by these developments in the larger context of South Africa’s economic recovery efforts. Restoring these units to service not only bolsters the country’s electricity generation capacity but also plays a vital role in safeguarding jobs, advancing universal access to electricity, and enhancing the overall quality of life for South African citizens.

The Minister is committed to reinforcing the nation’s electricity generation capacity by prioritizing the expansion and strengthening of transmission infrastructure to accommodate new renewable generation capacity. These efforts align with South Africa’s broader goal of transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, contributing to a greener and more resilient energy sector.

Dr. Ramokgopa extended his heartfelt congratulations to Eskom’s Generation team for their dedicated efforts in restoring stability and credibility to the Eskom generation fleet. These accomplishments have significantly reduced the intensity and severity of load shedding, providing much-needed relief to the nation and instilling confidence in South Africa’s energy future.

The return of Kusile Power Station’s units stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of South Africa’s energy sector in overcoming challenges and striving for a more robust and reliable electricity supply for the nation. Minister Ramokgopa reaffirms the government’s unwavering commitment to these objectives, ultimately ensuring a brighter and more electrified future for all South Africans.