Latest news with #MedupiUnit4
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station's Unit 1 return postponed: what it means for South Africa's energy
Eskom said the return to service of Unit 1 at the Koeberg Nuclear Power plant has been moved to August, after initially scheduled to return to service in July after planned maintenance. Image: Supplied Eskom announced that Unit 1 at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, South Africa's only nuclear facility located in Cape Town, that is supposed to return to service this month, has been pushed back to the end of next month. Currently offline for the second phase of its long-term operational maintenance programme, Unit 1 was initially expected to return to service by July 2025. Eskom said this adjustment reflects their "unwavering commitment to thorough inspections and maintaining the highest quality standards to ensure the safety and reliability of the facility". As part of the scheduled maintenance, detailed eddy current inspections — an essential non-destructive testing method—revealed defects in four tubes across two of the newly installed steam generators. Eskom said it acted promptly, deploying an advanced automated process to rectify the identified issues, with specialised international teams working in tandem with local experts to ensure the repairs met global safety and quality standards. "The successful completion of these critical repairs marks a significant milestone in reinforcing the safety framework at Koeberg." In addition to the tube repairs, the maintenance activities included the legally mandated 10-year Integrated Leak Rate Test (ILRT). "During this rigorous test, the reactor building was pressurised over a continuous 72-hour period, carefully monitoring its leak rate and structural integrity. The results from the ILRT confirmed the robustness of Unit 1's containment structure, thereby aligning with international safety protocols." Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom's Group Executive for Generation, emphasized the importance of prioritising safety at Koeberg. 'Our top priority is always the safety of our employees, the public and the environment. Carrying out these additional inspections and repairs to world-class standards, we are investing in the long-term reliability of Koeberg and South Africa's energy future,' he said. Nxumalo reiterated that the maintenance of Unit 1 is vital for delivering decades of affordable, low-carbon power, advocating how nuclear energy contributes to economic growth and environmental sustainability. Eskom is concurrently progressing on other generation projects, including the recently synchronised 800MW Kusile Unit 6, which is expected to enter commercial operation by September 2025. "This year has already seen the reconnection of Kusile Units 1, 2, and 3 to the repaired west stack, as well as the return to service of Medupi Unit 4 after a prolonged outage. Together, these initiatives are aimed at bolstering generation capacity and securing a stable electricity supply." Eskom said the revised return date for Koeberg Unit 1 is not anticipated to increase the risk of loadshedding. "The latest Winter Outlook released in May remains valid, indicating that the planned return of 2,500MW this winter is unaffected by the status of Unit 1. The report shows that loadshedding will not be necessary as long as unplanned outages stay below 13,000MW. Even with potential increases in outages, Eskom has projected a maximum of 21 days of loadshedding during the winter season, capped at Stage 2. As the winter season progresses, Eskom continues to encourage energy efficiency among customers while assuring them of the national power system's stability. Unit 2 of Koeberg remains operational, currently contributing up to 946MW and recording an impressive Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 99.98% as of the end of June 2023. Once all maintenance work is completed, Unit 1's reactor core will undergo refuelling, testing, and will be synchronised back to the national grid. Eskom said it meticulously plans these outages to ensure that both Koeberg units are not offline simultaneously, maintaining an essential power supply for the country.
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
IOL News
29-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Eskom dismisses false claims of imminent load shedding in July
Eskom has firmly rebutted alarmist claims circulating on social media regarding potential stage 4 and stage 6 load shedding from July 6 to July 20. Image: File Eskom has strongly rejected false claims circulating online about imminent stage 4 and stage 6 loadshedding from 6 July until 20 July with the power utility saying the country's power system remains stable with loadshedding suspended since 10pm 15 May 2025. "The Winter Outlook, published on 5 May 2025, covering the period ending 31 August 2025, remains valid. It indicates that loadshedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. If outages rise to 15 000MW, loadshedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days and restricted to Stage 2. There are no planned outages of this scale. Misinformation causes unnecessary alarm. Stay informed—trust only official Eskom updates on our official platforms," the power utility said. This past week, electricity and energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said municipalities with a combined debt of over R100 billion have not been able to reduce the amounts they owe to Eskom. The minister added that the ongoing challenges could result in the total collapse of the South African electricity complex. The minister described Eskom's challenge of supplying electricity but being unable to collect revenue as an 'existential problem'. 'They are spending money they must collect from the bulk consumer, and where they are reticulating. They are finding it difficult to collect, so they're unable to reinvest back into their asset base. It's going to result in, if not managed, a total collapse of the electricity complex in the country," Ramokgopa said. On Friday, Eskom revealed that despite the high unplanned outages and severe weather conditions in parts of South Africa, the available generation capacity was enough to meet peak demand. The power utility also revealed that for the week of 20 to 26 June 2025, unplanned outages averaged 14 696MW, exceeding last year's figure by 2 815MW and the base case estimate of 13 000MW by 1 696MW. It said the increase was largely due to Medupi Unit 4, which has been offline since August 2021 and was scheduled to return on 30 May 2025. The delay in its return was factored into the unplanned outage calculations from 1 June 2025, adding 800MW. Year-to-date, average unplanned outages stand at 14 031MW. [email protected]
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Eskom assures stability amid rising demand and winter challenges
Eskom in a statement on Friday assured the country that the system remains stable despite being constrained on the back of rising demand as a result of inclement weather conditions Eskom in a statement on Friday assured the country that the system remains stable despite being constrained on the back of rising demand as a result of inclement weather conditions. The State-owned power utility said it would add 2 550 MW to the grid on Monday, 9 June, and thus rotational load shedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000 MW. An energy expert believes that managing Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) will be key to managing high demand during the winter months. Professor Vally Padayachee, energy expert and former Eskom generation executive manager, said that Eskom's assertion that the power system remains stable but constrained reflects the complex dynamics at play within our energy landscape. 'While it is commendable that we are witnessing a certain degree of stability, this is juxtaposed against the persistent challenges linked to generation capacity and maintenance backlogs.' Padayachee added that the planned addition of 2,550 MW to the grid is promising and exemplifies Eskom's proactive approach to mitigating demand pressures, particularly ahead of the anticipated cold spell. 'However, it is essential to recognize that this augmentation of capacity is necessary to support an increasingly demanding grid, especially during peak usage times. The fact that Eskom has been able to reduce the Planned Capability Loss Factor (PCLF) to approximately 4,035 MW, down from 4,883 MW, suggests ongoing improvements in operational efficiency and maintenance practices.' Padayachee said that nonetheless, sustained vigilance is critical, given that we still face high unplanned capacity loss. 'The current Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) of 28.93% is concerning. This metric underscores the need for further attention and resources to address the underlying issues causing these unplanned outages. Notably, the delay in returning Medupi Unit 4 to service exhibits how long-term maintenance projects can significantly impact reliability. As the unit is anticipated to return within June 2025, its reintegration will be pivotal for improving overall generation capacity.' Padayachee added that the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) levels, fluctuating around 60% to 64%, indicate a gradual recovery; however, they remain below optimal performance levels. 'A year-to-date average EAF of 57.85%, which is down from 60.67% in the same period last year, further illustrates the detrimental effects of increased planned maintenance—now at 12.76% of total generation capacity.' Padayachee said that looking forward, while the winter outlook does not currently indicate an imminent need for load shedding if unplanned outages remain controlled, we must adopt a proactive stance. 'However, if the UCLF increases to beyond 15,000 MW, we could see a return to load shedding, hopefully at lower levels. It is vital that Eskom and the broader energy ecosystem focus on sustainable practices, enhancing generation reliability, and strategic maintenance scheduling. Reducing illegal connections and energy theft is equally crucial, as these factors can lead to overloads and wider outages, further straining our grid.' Padayachee added that as we navigate these winter months, he encourages all stakeholders—government, industry players, and consumers alike—to adopt a collaborative approach in managing energy consumption and ensuring efficient utilization of resources. 'Public education campaigns around the responsible use of electricity and the importance of adhering to legal electricity procurement will help alleviate some of the pressures on the grid. While Eskom's immediate measures are steps in the right direction, the outlook necessitates continual improvement in operational efficiency, robust maintenance strategies, and active public engagement to foster a more resilient power sector.' BUSINESS REPORT
