Eskom
By Nkosana Khumalo
Eskom has taken a major step towards securing South Africa’s energy future by connecting Kusile Power Station’s final unit, Unit 6, to the national grid on Sunday, 23 March 2025, at 16:45. This milestone is a key part of Eskom’s plan to add 2,500MW of new capacity by March 2025, aimed at reducing loadshedding and strengthening the country’s electricity supply. Once fully operational, Unit 6 will contribute 800MW, undergoing six months of testing before reaching commercial operation in late 2025.
A Long Road to Success for Kusile
The Kusile Power Station project, located in Mpumalanga, kicked off in 2007 but has faced its fair share of hurdles, including construction delays and ballooning costs—reportedly exceeding R161 billion according to Business Day. Despite these setbacks, Eskom’s connection of Unit 6 signals a breakthrough for what is hailed as South Africa’s largest infrastructure project. When all units are online, Kusile will deliver a massive 4,800MW to the national grid, dwarfing many other power stations in the region.
A Milestone in Energy Stability
This latest achievement is a big win for Eskom’s mission to bolster South Africa’s power supply. “Eskom is pleased to announce the successful addition of Kusile Power Station’s final unit, Unit 6, to the national grid today at 16:45,” the company said in a statement. It’s a critical piece of Eskom’s goal to bring 2,500MW online by March 2025, with Kusile Unit 6 paving the way for more reliable electricity. Meanwhile, its sister project, Medupi Power Station, is set to see Unit 4 return 800MW by April 2025 after repairs from a generator stator failure, wrapping up South Africa’s two major new-build power projects.
Tackling Loadshedding Head-On
South Africans have endured years of loadshedding, with power cuts disrupting homes, businesses, and industries. The addition of Kusile Unit 6 is a lifeline in this struggle. Energy expert Chris Yelland, quoted in a recent Mail & Guardian article, noted that Kusile’s full operation could cut loadshedding by up to two stages once all units are running smoothly. This step forward offers hope to millions tired of unpredictable blackouts.
Jobs and Growth on the Horizon
Beyond technical gains, Kusile Unit 6 promises an economic boost. The project has already employed thousands during its construction, and the testing phase will keep jobs flowing in Mpumalanga. According to a statement from the Department of Public Enterprises, reported by IOL, the unit’s eventual operation could support small businesses and industries reliant on stable power, driving growth in a region hit hard by unemployment.
A Greener Approach with Cutting-Edge Tech
Kusile stands out as the first power station in South Africa—and Africa—to use Wet Flue Gas Desulphurisation (WFGD) technology. This system slashes sulphur dioxide emissions, aligning with global air quality standards and showing Eskom’s push towards cleaner coal power. “Kusile is the first power station in South Africa and Africa to implement Wet Flue Gas Desulphurisation (WFGD) technology,” Eskom confirmed, highlighting its commitment to balancing energy needs with environmental responsibility.
Voices from the Top
Eskom’s leaders are celebrating this progress. Bheki Nxumalo, Group Executive for Generation, said:
“Eskom is at a critical point returning megawatts to the grid as we are currently in a constrained state. This milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication and resilience of Eskom’s employees and contractors. Their commitment has driven us forward despite numerous challenges.”
Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane echoed this optimism:
“Kusile Unit 6’s addition is proof that we are making continued progress in stabilising and strengthening South Africa’s electricity supply. We reiterate our commitment to ensuring that South Africa is in no way returning to the levels of loadshedding that we experienced in 2023.”
Testing the Waters: What’s Next?
For the next six months, Unit 6 will undergo extensive testing and optimisation to ensure it’s ready for the long haul. Only after this phase will its full 800MW capacity be officially added to Eskom’s fleet, expected in the second half of 2025. This careful process underscores Eskom’s focus on reliability as it builds a stronger grid.
A Bigger Plan for Power
This milestone fits into Eskom’s Generation Operational Recovery Plan, a roadmap to improve performance, tighten governance, and secure a sustainable energy future. “With this latest milestone, Eskom remains committed to implementing the Generation Operational Recovery Plan,” the utility said, aiming to benefit not just South Africa but the wider sub-Saharan region. The plan’s success hinges on projects like Kusile and Medupi, which together will cement Eskom’s capacity to meet growing demand.
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