Boost to South African Power Grid: New Contract Confirmed for 400MW

Power Surge Ahead of Winter

South Africa’s Cabinet welcomed the ratification of a crucial contract designed to bolster our nation’s power grid. As winter looms, the contract promises to deliver an additional 400 megawatts (MW) of capacity, projected to hit the grid by May’s end in 2023.

This promising development emerged from a Cabinet meeting held this past Wednesday.

Grappling with Grid Constraints

“Significant constraints against the national grid” persist, the Cabinet acknowledged. Yet they commend the substantial strides made in executing the Energy Action Plan (EAP).

Healthcare Exemptions from Load Shedding

Another noteworthy update involves the Health Department’s strategic response to load shedding. It has pinpointed 213 hospitals to be exempted from load shedding, with 76 already enjoying this status.

As per the Cabinet, there’s an ongoing effort to extend this exemption to an additional 46 hospitals.

Green Light for Power-Generating Companies

The government’s executive arm also highlighted their anticipation for the upcoming launch of Invest SA’s energy one-stop shop on May 31, 2023. This initiative is set to expedite regulatory processes, thereby facilitating the entry of new power-generating companies into the market.

Restoration Progress at Kusile Power Station

Significant progress at the Kusile Power Station was noted, where efforts are underway to restore 3,200MW to the national grid via units 1, 2, 3, and 5 by 2023’s end.

Rumors of Grid Collapse Debunked

Amid rampant rumors of an impending grid collapse leading to a total blackout, the Cabinet expressed its concerns. Eskom, however, has reassured the government of safeguards in place to avert such a scenario.

The Cabinet continues to urge South Africans to conserve electricity, setting a target of saving at least 1,000MW daily, equivalent to reducing one stage of load shedding.

Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister of Electricity, will provide a detailed update on the EAP’s implementation this Friday, May 26, 2023, via a press briefing. Stay tuned. – SAnews.gov.za