Eskom
By Mpho Moloi
Eskom has achieved a significant milestone in its commitment to providing consistent electricity to South Africa. The utility has successfully completed over nine months without implementing loadshedding since 26 March 2024. This landmark achievement underscores Eskom’s progress in addressing South Africa’s long-standing energy challenges, bolstered by its Generation Recovery Plan and enhanced maintenance strategies.
Key Performance Highlights
The power utility’s operational improvements have delivered remarkable results in 2024, including:
• Reduction in Unplanned Outages:
The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) improved from 32.97% in 2023 to 24.92% in 2024, representing an 8.1% improvement compared to the same period last year. This significant reduction directly contributed to Eskom’s ability to maintain power stability across the nation.
• Year-on-Year Diesel Savings:
Eskom reported diesel savings of R16.2 billion, 65.1% less than the R24.89 billion spent in the corresponding period in 2023. These savings were attributed to reduced reliance on Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) and improved operational efficiencies.
• Energy Availability Factor (EAF) Improvement:
The EAF reached an average of 62.37% in 2024, marking a 7% increase from 55.35% in 2023. Top-performing stations achieved an EAF exceeding 70%, with five additional stations maintaining EAFs above 60%.
Maintenance Strategies Delivering Results
Eskom leveraged the December summer break to intensify planned maintenance activities, enhancing the reliability of its generation fleet. Maintenance during this period averaged approximately 8,000MW. The ongoing planned maintenance aligns with the utility’s strategy to prepare its power stations for winter 2025, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Enhanced Energy Stability Across South Africa
The reduction in unplanned outages and structural improvements have significantly stabilised South Africa’s power grid. During the week of 22–26 December 2024, unplanned outages averaged 11,438MW, marking an improvement of 2,542MW compared to the same period last year. Diesel usage also remained below the year-to-date budget, reflecting Eskom’s commitment to cost-effective energy management.
Generation Capacity Overview:
• Available Generation Capacity: 26,906MW
• Peak Demand Forecast for 27 December 2024: 22,474MW
• Additional Units Expected Online by 30 December: 2,950MW
These measures have positioned Eskom to meet national electricity demands without the need for loadshedding, even during peak consumption periods.
A Loadshedding-Free Summer in Sight
In its August 2024 summer outlook, Eskom projected a likely scenario of a loadshedding-free season, including the festive period, due to structural generation improvements. As of late December, this outlook remains unchanged. Current unplanned outages average 11,900MW, which is 1,100MW less than the utility’s summer base case of 13,000MW.
Continued Focus on Energy Security
Despite these advancements, Eskom has acknowledged ongoing challenges, including network overloading, illegal connections, and vandalism in certain areas. To address these issues, the utility has implemented its ‘Save Your Transformers, Save Lives’ campaign, urging customers to reduce unauthorised connections and report suspicious activities to the Eskom Crime Line.
Strategic Use of Open-Cycle Gas Turbines
Eskom’s strategic use of OCGTs has significantly reduced diesel expenditure, which totalled R8.69 billion for the financial year to date (April–December 2024). The utility generated 1,379.03GWh of electricity using OCGTs, reflecting improved efficiency compared to the same period last year.
Path to Sustainable Energy
Eskom’s efforts to reduce loadshedding, improve operational performance, and enhance maintenance protocols demonstrate its commitment to ensuring energy security in South Africa. The utility’s proactive measures are paving the way for a more reliable and sustainable power supply for the nation.
Looking Ahead
Eskom is set to provide an update on 3 January 2025 regarding its operational performance and energy outlook. The utility remains focused on maintaining its loadshedding-free record while preparing for increased demand in 2025.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition 087🔴 Download the Latest Edition | Top Story: “Building ‘The Ngwathe We Want’:
Dr Mothamaha Drives Cost-Effective
Solutions with New Fleet Acquisitions”
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube