Eskom management says shutting down coal power stations makes no sense

CAPE TOWN - Eskom management says shutting down coal power stations makes no sense.

They’ve also attributed Eskom’s improved performance and bringing an end to load shedding to the coal fleet, with plans to extend the lifespan of some power stations beyond 2030.

The power utility on Wednesday briefed Parliament’s Energy and Electricity portfolio committee on its improved operational performance and financial outlook.

Eskom told parliament on Wednesday that the once-struggling power utility is now showing significant improvement in its operations and finances.

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Group CEO Dan Marokane says ending load shedding should also see a material shift in Eskom's financial status.

He says this is due to better-performing coal power plants.

According to Marokane, they’re also extending the life of these power stations that still have a role in the "just transition".

"We did this on the back of two key reasons. The first one was energy security. You will recall that we just came out of the most intense and frequent load shedding last year, so it was really not making sense that we would go shut down stations."

He added coal can’t be disregarded without “due care” for surrounding communities in the mining towns and the entire value chain.