Eskoms recent successes in stabilising national power supply have raised hopes of a broader economic recovery, contributing to a potential 2 growth in South Africas GDP.
The utility has surpassed 200 days without load shedding. This achievement is due to the Generation Operational Recovery Plan, which has reduced unplanned outages by approximately 8,6 and increased the energy availability factor by around 7,7.
The plan is projected to contribute to a potential ,2 growth in the South African economy and improve Eskoms financial performance for the financial year 2025 April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, Eskom said in a statement.
Renewables and restructuringA critical part of Eskoms strategy involves the integration of renewable energy. The utility is fast-tracking construction of over 2 GW of renewable energy plants as part of its Just Energy Transition strategy. Solar PV and wind power projects are in the pipeline with Eskom evaluating proposals for a 75 MW solar plant at Lethabo Power Station. We have identified solar PV and wind for some of the stations within the Mpumalanga areas, said Dan Marokane , Eskom Group Chief Executive.
At a media briefing providing an update on the Energy Access Plan, Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa spoke about the utilitys long-term role When you reset Eskom, it will be a big player in new generation, especially renewables.
Eskom is advancing structural reforms to ensure financial and operational sustainability, he said. A key part of this strategy is the legal separation of Eskoms operations into independent generation and distribution subsidiaries by March 2025. The restructuring aims to improve efficiency, reduce municipal debt arrears and combat crime and corruption all while enhancing the utilitys financial health.
Eskoms leadership, in consultation with the National Energy Crisis Committee, has chosen a data-driven approach to resolving the crisis inherited in 2022, said Bheki Nxumalo , Eskom Group Executive for Generation.
With energy supply stabilising, South Africa is on track to reducing its reliance on diesel for emergency power generation, cutting operational costs and further strengthening Eskoms financial position. 'Were not out of the woods yet but the improvements on the generation side are already having a positive impact on the economy, daily life and the general mood across the country, Ramokgopa said.
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