Eskom says Matla power station explosion will not result in load shedding
A transformer explosion at unit 6 injured nine workers, two of whom have since been discharged from hospital.
One of Eskom's 15 coal-fired power stations. Picture: Ashraf Hendricks/GroundUp
JOHANNESBURG - Eskom says Thursday's explosion at Matla power station will not result in load shedding.
A transformer explosion at unit 6 injured nine workers, two of whom have since been discharged from hospital.
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa briefed the media after inspecting the damaged unit.
READ: Eskom technical teams investigate explosion at Matla Power Station
Eskom said the loss of unit 6, which generates 600 megawatts, is not enough to plunge the country into darkness.
The power utility confirmed that unplanned energy losses currently total 13,000 megawatts – with only 1,200 megawatts attributed to the explosion and switching off of another unit for safety.
READ: MK's Molefe says Eskom still faces load shedding risk despite improved performance
"The progress with regards to the recovery of the rest of the fleet has given us headroom that this 600 mw can actually be absorbed within that scope," said Eskom CEO, Dan Marokane.
Marokane said investigations into the incident are underway, with plans to refurbish the damaged unit.
[WATCH] The utility lost only 600 megawatts as a result of the explosion which means the country will not face load shedding as a result.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) December 13, 2024
Investigations into the cause are underway. @MongeziKoko pic.twitter.com/xUoFCWXZXN