The strategic deployment of open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) peaking stations has been instrumental in keeping the lights and heaters on this winter, says Eskom.
The power utility recently issued a statement providing an update on Eskoms winter outlook.
Our operational efficiency continues to exceed expectations, with current unplanned outages still averaging 12000 MW, and todays [June 28] recorded at 10839 MW, well below the winter forecast, Eskom said.
The winter forecast, published on April 26, anticipated a likely scenario of unplanned outages at 15500 MW and load shedding limited to Stage 2. This remains in force, Eskom said.
The strategic use of peaking stations, including the Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs), has been instrumental in meeting the heightened demand, particularly during evening peaks from 17:00 to 22:00.
The OCGT usage has remained significantly lower than in the past two years, Eskom said. From April 1 to June 27 expenditure on OCGTs was R3,13 billion, generating 454 GWh, approximately 66% less than 2023. The OCGT load factor for the same period was far less at 6,30% compared to last years figure of 21,3% over the same period.
The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) has decreased to 27% for the period, an improvement of 8% from 35% in the previous year.
Ongoing maintenanceOngoing planned maintenance of 5566 MW, bolstered by short-term maintenance to ensure continuous plant reliability, formed part of its winter strategy, Eskom said.
This has resulted in a sustained improvement in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) for April 1 to June 27, which increased to 61,3% from 54,3% last year in the same period. The EAF improvement is primarily due to a drop in the unplanned outages of the generation units.
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