 |
| Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, South Africa's Minister responsible for Electricity. (Photo: Gallo Images / Darren Stewart) |
South Africa's Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced plans to expand 14,000km of transmission lines in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Western Cape. This move would unlock at least 2,335MW of energy in the short-term. Between December 2023 and 16 February 2024, South Africa experienced 1,801.25 hours of load shedding, which has since decreased to 1,217.98 hours. The reduction in intensity and frequency of load shedding and positive EAF (energy availability factor) trajectory are signs of improvement in the generation fleet's performance.
Eskom announced that Stage 2 load shedding will remain in effect until 4pm on 26 February 2024, following the loss of six generation units. Three out of five units at Kendal power station are expected to be back online by the end of Monday, 26 February 2024. A total of 4,170MW of generating capacity is expected to be returned by Wednesday.
The highest level of planned maintenance was performed between December 2023 and January 2024, reaching an average of 18% of the generation capacity. The deliberate spike in planned maintenance is aimed at improving the reliability of the generation fleet to deliver long-term benefits and ensure the security of energy supply.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced two weeks ago that the government is confident that the worst is behind them and the end of load shedding is finally within reach. However, Eskom officials predict a dire electricity situation in 2024 and 2025, with South Africa between Stage 3 and Stage 6 during this period.
In the next two weeks, Ramokgopa will outline the plan for the grid expansion and accessing funding for the project.
