Unit 5 at Eskom’s Kusile facility boosts the capacity of the grid.

Eskom’s Milestone Achievement: Synchronising Kusile Unit 5 with the National Grid

Eskom proudly announces the successful synchronisation of Unit 5 at the Kusile Power Station Project with the national grid on December 31, 2023, marking a monumental stride in South Africa’s power sector.

This achievement stands as a pivotal moment within the broader context of the Generation Recovery Plan, highlighting the significance of this advancement.

Impact on Energy Availability and Capacity

Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom’s Group Executive for Generation, highlights the critical nature of this milestone in the Generation Recovery Plan.

He expresses encouragement at achieving this milestone in the recovery plan, following the recent addition of three units to the grid since September 2023, contributing a total of 3,200MW.

Nxumalo emphasizes the positive impact this will have on enhancing the energy availability factor (EAF) and fortifying South Africa’s electricity capacity.

Economic Empowerment through Kusile Unit 5

Calib Cassim, Eskom’s Acting Group Chief Executive, underscores the positive influence of Kusile Unit 5 on South Africa’s economy, instilling a sense of hope within the nation.

Cassim maintains a focused approach on improving Generation fleet performance to mitigate countrywide load shedding and reduce expenses incurred through supplementary diesel-powered capacity.

Environmental Responsibility and Technological Advancements

Kusile sets a noteworthy precedent in environmental responsibility by integrating wet flue gas desulphurisation (WFGD) emissions abatement technology.

This innovation establishes Kusile as South Africa and Africa’s pioneer in utilizing WFGD, ensuring adherence to stringent air quality standards.

Infrastructure Progress and Future Outlook

Progress in repairing the permanent stack for units 1, 2, and 3 aligns with Eskom’s commitment to infrastructure enhancement.

Simultaneously, efforts intensify to bring Medupi Unit 4 back into service by July 2024, complementing the successful synchronisation of Kusile Unit 5 and contributing to Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan.

This achievement signifies Eskom’s unwavering dedication to bolstering generation performance and mitigating the impact of load shedding, promising a brighter future for South Africa’s power infrastructure.