Eskom has recorded notable gradual improvements in its power generation fleet, the parastatal has announced.
“Over the past week, six coal-fired power stations achieved energy availability factor (EAF) of 70%, a milestone last achieved on 08 May 2022,” Eskom said in a statement on Thursday.
Three of these power stations, Camden, Duvha and Matla, have recorded a sustained upward trend as a result of a reduction in plant breakdowns and the return to service of several units that had experienced unplanned breakdowns.
Lethabo, Matimba and Medupi have been experiencing continued good performance and remain among Eskom’s three best-performing stations. In addition, Lethabo was able to sustain performance after a quick recovery following a wet coal incident experienced due to flooding after excessive rainfall last week.
Eskom Acting Group Chief Executive, Calib Cassim, said the progress was as a result of recent action taken to improve generation capacity.
“While this is still early progress, it shows a positive trajectory from actions taken to recover Eskom generation plants. This is consistent with Eskom’s target to achieve 70% EAF by the 2025 financial year,” Cassim said.
Eskom Board Chairperson, Mpho Makwana, said the performance improvement at Camden, Duvha and Matla, and the sustained performance at Lethabo, Matimba and Medupi, provided assurance that if Eskom kept applying an “all-hands-on-deck approach”, it would continue to improve energy availability.
“I specifically commend the various teams at these power stations for the great work and also applaud all the Eskom employees for their continued hard work and dedication,” Makwana said. - SAnews.gov.za
