Question NW3126 to the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
06 October 2023 - NW3126
Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1)What amount of sulphur has been extracted through the fuel gas desulphurisation unit in Kusile Power Station; (2) whether the sulphur has been sold to other industries like agriculture, pharmaceuticals and rubber industries; if not, (a) why not and (b) what are the consequences of storing such a corrosive chemical; if so, what amount in revenue has Eskom derived from the sales?
Reply:
1. Eskom removes sulphur dioxide (SO2), which is a by-product of fossil fuel combustion, from the flue gases. This SO2 is removed by means of a wet flue gas desulphurisation system. The flue gas flows through a spray of calcium carbonate (limestone) slurry and forms an end product of calcium sulphate (gypsum).
2. (2)(a) Therefore, no sulphur in its pure, corrosive form is extracted from the absorber, and no sulphur is being sold. The gypsum is currently disposed of on site in a designated area on the power station premises as per licence. The future plan is to sell the gypsum as it can be used in the industry.
(2)(b) No corrosive chemical is being stored and no revenue is being generated at this stage from gypsum.