Following six months of testing and optimisation, State-owned Eskom has transferred Unit 5 of the Kusile power station to its Generation division, and this unit will now begin contributing power, increasing Kusile power station’s total output to 4 000 MW.

Over the past six months, Kusile Unit 5 has undergone a series of tests while intermittently supplying electricity. Since its synchronisation in December 2023, the unit has met performance expectations, supported the grid and helped to reduce loadshedding.

“Kusile Unit 5 makes an extremely valuable contribution to the national grid. Not only is it one of the largest baseload units contributing megawatts, but it also enhances the stability of the network,” said Eskom system operator GM Isabel Fick.

The handover of the generation unit marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing efforts to stabilise South Africa’s power system.

“The delivery of the unit, as part of our Generation Operational Recovery Plan, showcases the remarkable achievements possible when our 40 000 employees work together as a collective. This achievement aligns with our commitment to maximising grid capacity,” said Eskom Generation group executive Bheki Nxumalo.

“On April 26, in our winter outlook, we said we would add new generation capacity to the grid with Kusile power station Unit 5, as part of our intense focus on delivering the Generation Operational Recovery Plan. This addition is part of a total of 2 500 MW that will be added before the end of this calendar year,” said Eskom Group CE Dan Marokane.

“Eskom will continue to focus on implementing operational recovery, strengthening governance and future-proofing the organisation to enable energy security, growth and long-term sustainability to the benefit of South Africa,” he said.

Located near eMalahleni, in Mpumalanga, Kusile will, once completed, consist of six units and produce a maximum of 4 800 MW. It will be the world’s fourth-largest coal plant upon completion.

Construction of the remaining Kusile Unit 6 is progressing as planned, with it expected to be synchronised to the grid in November, Marokane said.

Kusile is equipped with wet flue gas desulphurisation (WFGD) technology, making it the first power station in South Africa and Africa to use this emissions-abatement technology. WFGD removes sulphur dioxide from flue gas before it is released into the atmosphere, thereby ensuring compliance with international air quality standards.