Latest news with #Medupi
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Eskom admits to challenges in meeting 2030 emissions targets
Cooling towers at an Eskom coal-based power station in Duhva. Eskom's head of generation Bheki Nxumalo on Wednesday revealed that the utility's existing power stations may struggle to meet the crucial emissions standards due to insufficient technology designed to curb nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx). Image: Mike Hutchings/Reuters South Africa's power utility, Eskom, has openly acknowledged significant hurdles in achieving the ambitious decommissioning targets set for the Just Energy Transition (JET) by 2030. During a presentation to Parliament on Wednesday, Eskom's head of generation Bheki Nxumalo revealed that the utility's existing power stations may struggle to meet the crucial emissions standards due to insufficient technology designed to curb nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx). "The emissions standards post-2030 call for reduction much more aggressively. That's where the risks are because stations have different technologies. We are now on a drive for emissions abatement technologies post-2030 but its not all of them that will be ready, including Medupi," Nxumalo said in response to questions from MK Party MP, Brian Molefe. "Kusile will meet most of the requirements but it is going to be an issue to comply with that. Most will but the "NOx and SOx" will require more in refurbishment." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Nxumalo said Eskom was doing economic studies on its overall Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) strategy from exemptions granted by the Department of Fisheries and Forestries and Environment (DFFE), not only for Kusile and Medupi's compliance, with stricter emission standards. "We are preparing to go to market but also considering the number of units. We are not going to do all of them by 2030, implementation will go post-2030," Nxumalo said. "We are not only looking at Medupi for reduction of the carbon footprint and also the NOx and SOx across the fleet. The research team is busy at work looking at other means we can employ in units running post-2030." Eskom Group Executive for Renewables, Rivoningo Mnisi, said the power utility had made a breakthrough in other global entities taking over the slack left by the US withdrawing its more than $1.5 billion commitments to South Africa's JET programme. "Dynamics and changes from the US have changed how we traditionally view funding, but it comes with opportunities. What we noticed is that the clean energy initiatives need to make business sense," Mnisi said. "We have had engagements with the World Bank that sourced funding from various funders. They are quite aware of our 5-year projects and are quite keen and confident to support the funding requirement. "We have also engaged with others [such as] the French Union. There is an appetite to partner. There is also interest from the Chinese funders interested in this. It's key how we go to market on this. We are working on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which should be structured to allow us offtake and show how projects will make money and what our contribution from the balance sheet will be. "There is no shortage of funding to support the clean energy initiatives. What's more important is the governance structures to allow the PPP participation and the funding model to take place." As part of its strategy, Eskom is considering blended financing to avoid restrictions from single funders that could conflict with its operational needs. "We are in the process of shortlisting the supplier for the 72MW solar PV, while on the 150MW of gas the contract award is imminent and should be done potentially in the next two months," Mnisi said. "We are also doing some assessment of the long duration energy storage as part of the options we can implement at Komati, as well Grootvlei solar PV and gas on plan. They should be delivered by 2029, a shift from what we did at Komati Development. Work for Arnot, Camden and Hendrina is also started and the intention is to ensure that all projects are implemented and operational before 2030." BUSINESS REPORT
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Nail in load shedding coffin removed after Eskom delay
Eskom clears the air on whether the setback will affect its winter outlook Eskom has shared bad news, announcing that the planned maintenance on Koeberg Unit 1 will be delayed by about a month, with the unit now expected to only return to operation by August. The utility shared an update on the planned maintenance of Unit 1 at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in Cape Town on Tuesday. Offline The 930 MW Unit 1 is currently offline for the second phase of a long-term operation extension. It was initially planned to be back online in July after undergoing scheduled maintenance, including fuel refuelling and statutory tests, as part of the life extension process. Load shedding Eskom said the revised return date for Koeberg Unit 1 will not increase the risk of load shedding. 'The Winter Outlook released on 5 May 2025, which covers the period until 31 August 2025, remains valid. Importantly, the planned return of 2 500MW this winter does not rely on Unit 1'. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said the revised timeline underscores the utility's commitment to ensure the ongoing safe and reliable performance of South Africa's only nuclear power station. ALSO READ: Eskom gets boost as Kusile's final unit adds 800MW to grid Inspections Mokwena said that eddy current inspections — a non-destructive testing method used to detect cracks, corrosion, or wear in the metal tubes of steam generators — identified defects on four tubes among several thousand tubes inspected, across two of the newly installed generators. 'Eskom immediately carried out an advanced automated process to address the four tube defects, supported by specialised international teams working alongside local experts. These critical repairs have now been successfully completed to uphold the highest safety and quality standards. Back to grid Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom's Group Executive for Generation, said the planned maintenance underway on Unit 1 will help deliver decades of affordable, low-carbon baseload power. 'Once all maintenance work is complete, Unit 1's reactor core will be refuelled, tested and synchronised back to the national grid'. Eskom said to protect the supply, planned outages at Koeberg are carefully staggered every 16 to 18 months so that both units are never offline at the same time. 'Together, Koeberg Units 1 and 2 provide around 1 860MW — approximately 5% of the country's electricity needs. Unit 2 remains fully operational, generating up to 946MW, with a year-to-date Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 99.38% as of the end of June 2025. 'The national power system remains stable, with a month-to-date EAF of 62%. As the winter season continues, Eskom encourages all customers to adopt energy-efficient practices,' Eskom said. Medupi Last week, Eskom hammered another nail in the load shedding coffin, announcing that Unit 4 of the Medupi Power Station was successfully returned to service eight months ahead of its original schedule. This has added 800MW to the national grid. Medupi's return follows extensive repairs, made possible by the innovative use of a refurbished Generator Stator, an alternative to waiting for a brand-new component. The unit had been out of service since 8 August 2021, after sustaining significant damage from the explosion of its Generator Stator, a key component in the operation of the generation unit. ALSO READ: Eskom takes action after breach of online vending system
TimesLIVE
08-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
'A soaking rain': Medupi unit 4 returns to service eight months ahead of schedule
Eskom has announced that after nearly four years offline, Unit 4 of the Medupi Power Station is officially back online, eight months ahead of schedule and adding a much-needed 800MW to the national grid. 'Eskom is pleased to announce that Unit 4 of the Medupi Power Station was successfully returned to service today at 8.29pm, adding 800MW to the national grid. This milestone strengthens South Africa's energy security and enhances the stability of electricity supply,' the power utility said in a statement on Monday. The unit had been offline since August 8 2021, after a catastrophic explosion that destroyed its generator stator. The early return was made possible through what Eskom calls 'strategic, cost-effective measures', including the sourcing of a refurbished generator stator from the Netherlands. 'To avoid the costly delays associated with the lengthy delivery time of a new generator stator, Eskom sourced a used stator from the Netherlands as an interim solution, enabling the early return to service of Medupi Unit 4,' said the utility. The refurbished component was transported about 1,000km by road from Richards Bay to the Limpopo-based station, a logistical feat accomplished by Eskom Rotek Industries. 'With the return of Unit 4, all six units at Medupi are now operational and will contribute a combined capacity of 4,800MW to the national grid once the unit reaches full output in the coming weeks,' said Eskom. Eskom Group CEO Dan Marokane hailed the return of the unit as a major milestone in the utility's broader strategy to stabilise energy supply. 'This achievement moves us closer to consistently overcoming load-shedding, which is now largely behind us due to structural improvements in the generation fleet, as we continue to build a more reliable, resilient, and sustainable power system,' said Marokane. He added that the success reflected steady progress in Eskom's Generation Operational Recovery Plan, which aims to improve long-term energy availability. Despite recent weeks of relief from rolling blackouts, Eskom reiterated that load-shedding could return if unplanned breakdowns climb above 13,000MW. According to its winter outlook published on May 5, no load-shedding is expected if breakdowns remain under the threshold. However, should unplanned outages reach 15,000MW, the country could face up to 21 days of stage 2 load-shedding during winter. Eskom Group Executive for Generation Bheki Nxumalo praised the teams involved in the repairs. 'Eskom applauds the Medupi team, support staff, and all execution partners for their dedication and professionalism, including the daunting task of safely transporting the 400-ton generator stator. Their achievement serves as a motivation for our teams as we advance our recovery efforts,' said Nxumalo. Medupi Power Station, located in Lephalale, Limpopo, is one of the world's largest dry-cooled, coal-fired plants. It uses advanced supercritical technology to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, particularly critical in water-scarce regions. The station is also built with environmental considerations, including low nitrogen oxide burners and infrastructure that allows for future installation of flue gas desulphurisation technology, which will cut sulphur dioxide emissions by over 90%. 'True to its name meaning 'rain that soaks parched lands, bringing economic relief' Medupi continues to play a vital role in supporting South Africa's economic growth and development,' said Eskom. Eskom said during its construction over R2.9bn was invested in socioeconomic development in local communities. 'Since its inception, more than R145m has been allocated to corporate social investment programmes, benefiting over 80,000 people, with a strong focus on rural development, education and health care infrastructure,' said Eskom.
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Medupi Unit 4's early return strengthens SA's energy security
Eskom has announced that Unit 4 of the Medupi Power Station has been successfully returned to service, adding 800MW to the national grid. This milestone strengthens South Africa's energy security and enhances the stability of electricity supply. 'The unit's return follows extensive repairs, completed eight months ahead of the original schedule, made possible by the innovative use of a refurbished generator stator, an alternative to waiting for a brand-new component. 'The unit had been out of service since August 8, 2021 after sustaining significant damage from the explosion of its generator stator, a key component in the operation of the generation unit,' said Eskom in a statement. As part of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan, Eskom's engineering teams implemented strategic measures to cost-effectively fast-track the unit's return. To avoid the costly delays associated with the lengthy delivery time of a new generator stator, Eskom sourced a used stator from the Netherlands as an interim solution, enabling the early return to service of Medupi Unit 4. With the return of Unit 4, all six units at Medupi are now operational and will contribute a combined capacity of 4 800MW to the national grid once the unit reaches full output in the coming weeks. Eskom group chief executive Dan Marokane said: 'The return of Medupi Unit 4 marks a major milestone in our strategic objective of achieving operational stability through the addition of 2 500MW to the grid, and Eskom remains committed to its Operational Excellence Programme, which focuses on restoring performance, strengthening oversight, and ensuring accountability from service providers.' He said the development once again reflected the progress of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan, which is central to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the broader economy. 'This achievement moves us closer to consistently overcoming load-shedding, which is now largely behind us due to structural improvements in the generation fleet, as we continue to build a more reliable, resilient and sustainable power system,' said Marokane. Eskom group executive for generation Bheki Nxumalo said: 'Eskom applauds the Medupi team, support staff and all execution partners for their dedication and professionalism, including the daunting task of safely transporting the 400-tonne generator stator approximately 1 000km by road from Richards Bay to the power station, a feat accomplished by Eskom Rotek Industries. 'Their achievement serves as a motivation for our teams as we advance our recovery efforts. We are confident that, like the other units, Unit 4 will deliver stable electricity to the national grid, enhancing South Africa's energy security.' Medupi Power Station, located in Lephalale in Limpopo, holds the distinction of being one of the world's largest dry-cooled, coal-fired power plants. As one of the newest additions to Eskom's fleet, Medupi features advanced supercritical technology that allows it to operate at higher temperatures, improving efficiency while reducing both coal and water consumption, an essential advantage in a water-scarce region. The station is designed to recycle and reuse all water involved in the power generation process on-site. It is also equipped with low nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) burners to minimise NOₓ emissions. Additionally, Medupi has been designed to accommodate future installation of flue gas desulphurisation technology, which will cut sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions by more than 90%, further enhancing its environmental performance. Medupi continues to play a vital role in supporting South Africa's economic growth and development. During its construction, Eskom invested over R2.9b in socio-economic development initiatives aimed at addressing urgent needs within local communities. Since its inception, more than R145m has been allocated to corporate social investment programmes, benefiting over 80 000 people, with a strong focus on rural development, education and healthcare infrastructure. – Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Eskom hammers another nail in load shedding coffin
Unit 4 at Medupi Power Station, which had been offline since August 8, 2021, was returned to service ahead of schedule. Eskom has hammered another nail in the load shedding coffin, announcing that Unit 4 of the Medupi Power Station was successfully returned to service eight months ahead of its original schedule. This has added 800MW to the national grid. This milestone strengthens South Africa's energy security and enhances the stability of the electricity supply. Repairs Medupi's return follows extensive repairs, made possible by the innovative use of a refurbished Generator Stator, an alternative to waiting for a brand-new component. The unit had been out of service since 8 August, 2021, after sustaining significant damage from the explosion of its Generator Stator, a key component in the operation of the generation unit. ALSO READ: Eskom gets boost as Kusile's final unit adds 800MW to grid Back to work Spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said that, as part of the utility's Generation Operational Recovery Plan, Eskom's engineering teams implemented strategic measures to cost-effectively fast-track the unit's return. 'To avoid the costly delays associated with the lengthy delivery time of a new Generator Stator, Eskom sourced a used stator from the Netherlands as an interim solution, enabling the early return to service of Medupi Unit 4. 'With the return of Unit 4, all six units at Medupi are now operational and will contribute a combined capacity of 4 800MW to the national grid once the unit reaches full output in the coming weeks,' Mokwena said. Milestone Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said the return of Medupi Unit 4 marks a major milestone in the parastatal's strategic objective of achieving operational stability through the addition of 2 500MW to the grid. 'This achievement moves us closer to consistently overcoming load shedding, which is now largely behind us due to structural improvements in the generation fleet, as we continue to build a more reliable, resilient, and sustainable power system'. ALSO READ: Koeberg Unit 2 back online, but what caused the 'unplanned' trip? Explosion Eskom has not disclosed the cause of the explosion at Medupi Power Station or the cost of the repairs. While the explosion caused severe damage to the generator, seven employees were treated for shock, but no injuries or fatalities were reported. The explosion occurred just before 11 pm on 7 August, while hydrogen was being displaced with carbon dioxide and air to locate an external leak. This procedure of displacing hydrogen with carbon dioxide and air is called purging What does Medupi mean Medupi which means 'rain that soaks parched lands, bringing economic relief' is located in Lephalale, Limpopo province. The power station holds the distinction of being one of the world's largest dry-cooled, coal-fired power plants. ALSO READ: Eskom takes action after breach of online vending system
