
Medupi power plant
Medupi explosion repairs estimated at R2.5 billion
Following the explosion that occurred at the Medupi power plant in Lephalale, in August 2021 - which cost the plant one of its generation units - acting general...
The country was hit with the rolling blackouts on Monday night, with Eskom saying that it took the measure to protect the national grid. It said that a unit tripped at the Medupi power plant, reducing generation capacity significantly.
Just a week ago Eskom announced that construction on the plant had been completed after 14 years and an estimated R135 billion.
The utility said while none of its staff have been injured following Sunday night's blast at least seven employees had to be treated for shock.
The parastatal said that this was an important step when it came to keeping the lights on in the country.
Eskom said that four generating units had been impacted, putting further strain on the system for the next 24 hours.
The board says given that Medupi is about 95% complete and Kusile still has 11% to go, there is no logical reason to turn back now.
The power utility on Tuesday announced that it has linked unit four of the power station.
The struggling power utility's financial state has raised concerns, with energy expert Chris Yelland saying that Eskom’s projected liquidity is very low at the moment.
The R19.6 billion loan will help finance the Medupi coal power plant and ensure the security of energy supply.
Acting chief executive Johnny Dladla says the funds will be used to finance the Medupi coal power plant.
Eskom says it's learned from errors made during the construction of the Medupi and Kusile stations.
Eskom has assured South Africans that contingency measures have been put in place to avoid load shedding.
The president says Medupi's Unit 6 will stimulate the economy at a difficult time for growth.
Unit 6 at the Medupi Plant has officially been opened, adding nearly 800 megawatts to the strained grid.
Unit six is providing 800 megawatts to the national grid.
Eskom boss Brian Molefe says ending the strike is difficult because the workers are employed by contractors.
Brian Molefe says Eskom will not get anywhere by cutting staff benefits.
Eskom is urging customers to use electricity sparingly as the grid is under severe strain.