Question NW1845 to the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
02 June 2023 - NW1845
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1) Whether, with reference to the use of open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) to supplement the electricity supply to mitigate load shedding, there has been an increase in storage capacity for diesel at the OCGT sites to cater for the increased usage; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether any emergency measures have been put in place in the event of a breakdown of an OCGT; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether the OCGTs are able to run at the required capacity for an extended period; if not, what are the alternatives; if so, (a) at what capacity are they running and (b) for what period is it anticipated that they will run?
Reply:
1) As part of our contingency measures for the high utilisation of the OCGTs, additional offsite storage has been secured in Mossel Bay and in Cape Town.
(2)Eskom has experienced maintenance and engineering staff to address any failures at the OCGTs with the support of the Original Equipment Manufacturer.
(3)(a) and (b) The OCGTs can run at the anticipated load factors for an extended period. YTD for FY2024, the OCGTs are running at a load factor (GLF) of 22%. The OCGTs are expected to run at approximately 20% for the winter period, until the end of August 2023. The required OCGT load factors after this period will depend on the performance of the generation fleet and the demand