After six months of meticulous testing and optimization, Eskom announced the successful transition of Unit 5 of the Kusile power plant from the construction program to operations in the Generation Division. This unit was first synchronized with the national grid on December 31, 2023 and now starts supplying power, bringing the total output of the Kusile power plant to 4,000 MW.
Eskom’s key achievements with Kusile unit 5
According to Isabel Fick, General Manager of the System Operator, “Kusile Unit 5 contributes significantly to the national network. Not only is it one of the largest base load units providing megawatts, but it also improves grid stability by its nature.“. This development is crucial to Eskom’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the electricity system. South Africa’s South Africa’s power system, adding 800 MW of stable and much-needed power to the grid.
Likewise, Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom Group Generation executive, highlighted the achievement by stating,“The delivery of this unit, as part of our Generation Operational Recovery Plan, demonstrates the remarkable achievements that can be made when our 40,000 employees work together as a collective.” Nxumalo also expressed its appreciation to all of the company’s employees and contractors for their diligent work to put this unit into commercial operation, aligning with the commitment to maximize network capacity.
Energy expansion with the Kusile power plant
Dan Marokane, CEO of Eskom Group, reaffirmed the importance of unity in the winter forecast, published on April 26, 2024 . Marokane explained that the addition of Unit 5 is part of a total of 2,500 MW to be added to the grid before the end of the calendar year, as part of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan, approved by the Board of Directors and initiated in March 2023.
Marokane concluded,“The company will continue to focus on implementing operational recovery, strengthening governance and preparing the organization for the future to enable long-term energy security, growth and sustainability for the benefit of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.”
Advances in technology and energy expansion
Over the past six months, Kusile Unit 5 has undergone various tests while intermittently supplying electricity. Since its synchronization in December 2023, the unit has met performance expectations, supporting the grid and helping to reduce load shedding.
Once completed, the Kusile power plant will have 6 units producing a maximum of 4,800 MW.
In addition, Kusile features wet flue gas desulphurization (WFGD) technology, making it the first power plant in the world to use wet flue gas desulphurization (WFGD) technology. power plant in South Africa power plant in South Africa and Africa to use this emissions reduction technology. . The WFGD removes sulfur dioxide from flue gases before they are released into the atmosphere, ensuring compliance with international air quality standards.
Construction of the remaining Kusile Unit 6 is progressing on schedule and is expected to be synchronized with the grid in November 2024. Located near eMalahleni in Mpumalanga, Kusile is South Africa’s largest construction project and will be the fourth largest coal plant in the world upon completion.
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Source: eskom
Photo: Shutterstock
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