Eskom has confirmed that overall power supply will remain stable, with sufficient reserves to meet demand, although Unit 6 at Kriel Power Station is temporarily offline, impacting 475 MW of generating capacity, due to fire on Sunday (November 3).

“With this unit temporarily offline, total unplanned outages stand at 8 483 MW – still 4 517 MW below the base case for summer 2024,” the utility said in a statement on Monday. As of November 4, the utility reported available generation capacity of 30 809 MW against a forecasted peak demand of 26 364 MW, indicating a buffer to prevent loadshedding. All other units at the power station continue to operate normally.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Unit 6 tripped on Sunday evening when hydraulic oil spilled from a broken pipe onto hot turbine valves and ignited. Eskom’s emergency teams contained and extinguished the fire with no reported injuries.

An energy expert told Energize, although the outage reduces total generating capacity, Eskom’s ability to meet demand is not affected. “The incident impacts capacity but not the remaining fleet’s capability to supply power as reserves are ample.”

Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan adds a buffer to the grid, making it resilient against such incidents, the utility stated. “The standard investigation procedure is now underway to assess the extent of the damage and the time required for repairs and restoration. Eskom will make a further announcement when the results of this investigation are finalised.”