Question NW757 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
20 April 2023 - NW757
Essack, Mr F to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, considering that during a press conference in early February 2023, the Chairperson of the Eskom Board promised that they were working to ensure that a 60% Energy Availability Factor (EAF) on Eskom’s generation capacity is achieved by 31 March 2023, and noting that a few weeks later Eskom executives pointed out the EAF target set was no longer attainable, he still has full confidence in the Eskom Board now that the Eskom Board has failed to achieve a key target that it had set for itself on the EAF; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the (a) reasons and (b) relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, I have full confidence in the Board.
Eskom is currently facing very constrained energy availability:
- Kusile units 1, 2 and 3 are not available until later in the year, due to the damaged flue. This removes 2100MW.
- Koeberg unit 1 is offline and undergoing refurbishment to extend the life of the unity by 20 years.
- There are a number of units on outages - both planned and unplanned (plus not being returned to service on time). This results in a total unavailability ranging between 15000MW and 18000MW.
In addition, renewable energy projects which are under construction at present do not, yet supply an adequate number of megawatts.
Nonetheless, the Board and management of Eskom have developed a Recovery Plan for the next 18 months, which will ensure incremental gains at each power station.
The public – both residential and areas and business, can also make an important and sizeable contribution to reducing demand by a careful use of geysers, lights and other water heating equipment.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
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