Medupi unit receives registration

"This is the first of the six Medupi units that is scheduled to be synchronised to the national electricity grid on December 24 this year," Eskom said in a statement.

 

This follows unit six firing up its first gas burner last week.

 

"Boiler registration with the Department of Labour is required as no user may use a steam generator, ie boiler, unless such user is in possession of a certificate of registration for that boiler," the parastatal said.

 

"This certificate is issued by the Department of Labour and is a legal requirement. The boiler must be registered before energy can be applied to the boiler and is required for the start of the first oil fire."

 

The process to achieve this milestone was accelerated by establishing a strong relationship between senior members within the department and those involved in the construction of Medupi.

 

"The Medupi engineering team hand delivered the submission documentation to the Department of Labour offices in Polokwane on Friday October 10," Eskom said.

 

It had ensured due processes was followed and all relevant documentation was in place to avoid any delays in the evaluation.

 

"This initiative shortened the time required for evaluation on site," the power utility said.

 

"The Department of Labour further supported the project and went the extra mile by undertaking the evaluation -- that can normally take up to 14 days -- to complete the registration within six days, including the weekend."

 

Medupi was now one step closer to the goal of first synchronisation and ready for the first oil fire scheduled for Friday (today).