Eskom synchronises Medupi's Unit

Eskom first produced power at Medupi in March last year when it synchronised Unit 6 into the national grid.

In a statement, chief executive Brian Molefe said Medupi Unit 5 synchronisation was a clear indication that Eskom was on track to deliver the entire New Build programme to the country.

“This milestone further strengthens our position that load shedding is becoming a thing of the past. I am thrilled by this achievement. Eskom has turned the corner,” Molefe said.

Eskom chairperson, Baldwin Ngubane, said the synchronisation was proof that Eskom was in good hands.

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“We commend the team for their dedication and commitment in working tirelessly to ensure that Unit 5 synchronisation is achieved ahead of schedule. This is a remarkable achievement,” Ngubane said.

Once completed, Medupi would be the fourth largest coal-fired power plant, and the largest dry-cooled power station in the world. It will consist of six units with an installed capacity of 4,800MW.

Eskom had initially estimated the total duration of the project to take no longer than four years when it was commissioned in 2007. However, the project has been delayed by, among other reasons, labour disputes that have resulted in work stoppages.

The planned operational life of the power station is 50 years.

Eskom said the synchronisation of Unit 5 marked a key milestone towards the full commercial operation of the unit ahead of its  scheduled commercial operation in March 2018.

Synchronisation refers to when the generator in the unit is connected onto the power grid so that it is aligned with all other generators on the national grid. It then starts to generate and deliver electricity into the grid over several months.

The Medupi power station uses direct dry-cooling systems due to the water scarcity in the Lephalale area.