Eskom adds 800MW to the grid

Eskom has announced that Kusile’s unit 5 generator achieved commercial operation on Sunday, 30 June 2024, adding 800MW to South Africa’s power mix.

The unit was first synchronised to the grid on 31 December 2023, and it will now start contributing power to the national grid, bringing Kusile Power Station’s total output to 4,000MW.

Since its synchronisation, the unit has undergone a series of tests while intermittently supplying electricity.

In this time, Eskom says it has met performance expectations, supported the grid, and helped reduce load-shedding.

“After six months of rigorous testing and optimisation, Eskom is pleased to announce the successful transfer of Unit 5 of the Kusile Power Station from the new build programme to operations in the Generation Division,” said Eskom.

Eskom System Operator general manager Isabel Fick said the unit will be crucial in stabilising South Africa’s electricity network.

“Kusile Unit 5 makes an extremely valuable contribution to the national grid. Not only is it one of the largest baseload units contributing megawatts, but it also enhances the stability of the network through its nature,” said Fick.

Eskom group executive for generation Bheki Nxumalo described the unit’s return to service as a remarkable achievement and thanked staff for their effort.

“The delivery of the unit, as part of our Generation Operational Recovery Plan, showcases the remarkable achievements possible when our 40 000 employees work together as a
collective,” said Nxumalo.

“This achievement aligns with our commitment to maximising grid capacity.”

Eskom group CEO Dan Marokane said the return of the 800MW is part of a total of 2,500MW expected to be added to the power utility’s generation mix by the end of the year.

“Eskom will continue to focus on implementing operational recovery, strengthening governance, and future-proofing the organisation to enable energy security, growth and long-term sustainability to the benefit of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa,” he added.

The power utility also highlighted that the Kusile Power Station is equipped with wet flue gas desulphurisation (WFGD) technology — a first for a power station in Africa.

Eskom said WFGD removes sulphur dioxide from flue gas before it is released into the atmosphere, ensuring compliance with air quality standards.

In its announcement regarding Kusile unit 5’s synchronisation in December 2023, Eskom added that progress was being made in the construction and commissioning of the last Kusile unit yet to be brought online: Unit 6.

Eskom originally planned to have Kusile completed by 2014, but the project faced significant due to corruption and design defects. Its costs have ballooned to over R161 billion from an original budget of R81 billion.

Once completed, its total of six units will produce a maximum of 4,800MW. It will be the world’s fourth-largest power station once fully operational.