Kusile Unit 5 synchronized to the grid
Unit 5 at the Kusile Power Station was successfully synchronized to the grid for the very first time on Sunday evening.
The unit is expected to contribute an additional 800MW to the country’s power system which was never part of Eskom’s grid capacity.
"It will supply electricity intermittently during the testing and optimization phase over the next six months before being transferred into commercial operation and the capacity officially added to the current Eskom fleet," said Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena.
"As part of the Generation Recovery Plan, the synchronization of Kusile Unit 5 marks another significant milestone of sustainably improving our generation performance."
Eskom’s Group Executive for Generation Bheki Nxumalo says the unit will contribute much-needed power to the grid.
"We are encouraged that this achievement of our recovery plan immediately follows the return of the three units that were brought online from the end of September 2023, bringing a total of 3 200MW into the grid, which will further improve the energy availability factor (EAF) and help strengthen South Africa’s electricity capacity.
"I am grateful for the commitment displayed by the Kusile Project team. Their relentless efforts in ensuring that the project is completed is highly commendable. I have confidence that they will continue to work with determination to successfully deliver Unit 5 to commercial operation."
Mokwena adds that progress is being made on the remaining construction and commissioning activities at Unit 6 and at completion, the station will consist of six units which will produce a maximum of 4 800MW.
"This will make Kusile South Africa’s largest construction project and will be the world’s fourth largest coal plant."
"In addition, the power station is fitted with wet flue gas desulphurization (WFGD) emission abatement technology in line with current international practice to ensure compliance with air quality standards.
"This makes Kusile the first power station in South Africa and Africa to use WFGD technology, which is used to remove sulfur dioxide from the flue gas before discharge to the atmosphere.
Also on a positive note, repair works to the permanent stack for units 1, 2, and 3 are progressing well."
Intensified efforts are being made to return Medupi Unit 4 to service by the end of July 2024.
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