Question NW3779 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
08 January 2024 - NW3779
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
With reference to Eskom’s required Atmospheric Emission License (AEL) reports published on the Eskom website data portal, what are the reasons that Eskom has not provided monthly reports on AEL for each of the power stations for most of the months in 2023? (2) How does Eskom identify and ensure compliance with the requirements of the AEL for its power stations in the absence of monthly reports? (3) What measures and/or procedures does Eskom have in place to monitor and verify compliance with the conditions of the AEL, given the lack of monthly reports? (4) Whether there are any alternative reporting mechanisms and/or systems in place that Eskom utilises to track and document emissions data in the absence of regular monthly reports; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
According to information received from Eskom:
1. The emission reports in terms of the atmospheric emission licence (AEL) are compiled monthly and submitted to the licensing authorities by the power stations and the Head Office receives a copy of these reports when it is sent to authorities.
As of 23 November 2023, 17 out of 18 stations are up to date with their submission to the licensing authorities. Eskom experienced a delay in uploading the submitted and completed AEL monthly reports to the Eskom data portal due to issues with system access rights. These issues were resolved in October 2023 and all completed reports have been updated on the portal. Eskom will be able to keep the portal regularly updated going forward. Duvha power station is the only station which has been delayed in submitting to the data portal. The reports are being revised based on data issues identified through the internal quality control processes and this report will be submitted in December 2023.
2. There was no absence of monthly reporting as indicated above. There was only a delay in making the reports publicly available on the data portal.
Monitoring of emission compliance with the AEL limits is carried out continually at the power stations using continuous emission monitors located in the power station stacks. Compliance with the emission limits is tracked continuously and reported on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis within Eskom.
3. There was no absence of monthly reporting. Reports were prepared and submitted to the authorities. However, there was a delay in making the reports publicly available on the Eskom data portal.
4. There was no absence of monthly reports. The reports were prepared and submitted to the authorities. However, there was a delay in making the reports publicly available on the Eskom data portal.
Therefore, the reporting within Eskom, to the relevant authority, and to the public is complied with and in order.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Ms Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
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