08:Gourikwa OCGT plant in Mossel Bay
08:50 08/12/2014: THE SITUATION HAS CHANGED DRASTICALLY. ROLLING BLACKOUTS MAY BE INTRODUCED AT ANY TIME TODAY
CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION
Original article below.
Eskom says it is optimistic about electricity supply in the first part of the week. According to the spokesperson Andrew Etzinger, the situation is looking more positive for Monday and they are optimistic that they will be in the clear during the first half of the week.
Three coal powered units tripped on Thursday night due to technical faults, adding to Eskom’s current crisis with diesel supplies and depleted water reserves, necessitating the need for Eskom to implement load shedding.
“This is due to unforeseen technical problems at power stations, depleted water reserves and logistical issues relating to diesel supplies at our peaking power stations,” Eskom said.
As a result Eskom had to implement stage 2 load shedding today (Friday) as of 11:00. At 12:05 load shedding was extended from stage 2 to stage 3.
“The change in stages is due to the shutdown of two of our open cycle gas turbine power station which use diesel to generate electricity,” Eskom said.
“The diesel reserves have been depleted at the Gourikwa and Ankerlig gas turbines leading to the shutdown of the power stations.
The Ingula pumped-storage scheme, located within the Drakensberg mountain range
“The Drakensburg and Palmiet pumped storage schemes, which use water to generate electricity have reduced output as a result of depleted water reserves.
“A further 1 000MW of capacity is offline after three coal powered units tripped Thursday night due to technical faults.”
After a weekend of loadshedding Eskom says its pump storage power stations are recovering well and the national grid is looking good for tomorrow.
Shortlink for this post: https://www.kimberley.org.za/?p=2124
