Question NW3482 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
24 November 2023 - NW3482
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What (a) progress has been made on the curtailment framework and (b) is the expected date of release of the (i) Generation Connection Capacity Assessment and (ii) Curtailment Framework?
Reply:
According to Information Received from Eskom:
The Eskom Curtailment Framework involves the controlled reduction of electricity supply output from renewables (wind and solar) plants in response to system-security needs or temporary transmission capacity constraints. Eskom has developed this new approach to curtailment to allow for additional generation capacity to be built at points on the grid that had previously been shown as fully committed. It will therefore unlock scarce grid capacity in high-potential renewables regions ahead of Eskom’s grid investment roll-out. It is widely used by system operators to facilitate the introduction of renewable generators in a context of grid constraints. This involves the cumulative assessment of the new generation applications and ensures that the projects which are readiest for project implementation are prioritized for grid allocation. The framework could be implemented now that the updated Generation Connection Capacity Assessment is released.
The Generation Connection Capacity Assessment (GCCA) is an assessment of the generation that can be accommodated on the transmission system, at a given time and a a given location, without adversely affecting grid reliability and without requiring significant infrastructure upgrades. The GCCA aims to assist customers in making more informed decisions about where to pursue generation projects by providing information about the generation connection capacity that will be available on the transmission grid in a specific year, assuming that all planned projects are completed on time.
(1)(a) The curtailment framework has been approved within Eskom. A submission is being finalised by Eskom to NERSA on curtailment and other initiatives for noting and information. Detailed mechanisms and procedures to effect the curtailment framework are still to be finalised.
(b)(i) The Generation Connection Capacity Assessment 2025 was published on 31 October 2023 and can be accessed on the Eskom website:
GCCA Transmission Network – Eskom.
(ii) The curtailment framework will become official upon Eskom’s receipt of NERSA’s written response on the submission, as stated above in (a).
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved/Comments
Adv. Melanchton Makobe PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date: