Question NW2988 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
25 August 2015 - NW2988
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) Where does the Hendrina Power Station source its coal from since the withdrawal of Optimum Colliery’s mining licence; (2) does the specified power station source its coal from a stockpile; if so, (a) how long will the stockpile last, (b) how is the coal transported, (c) at what price is the coal delivered and (d) how does the specified price compare to the Optimum Colliery contract price; (3) will the closure of the colliery affect the power output of the specified power
Reply:
(1) The suspension of the mining license at Optimum Colliery’s commenced on Monday 3 August 2015 and was lifted on Friday 7 August 2015. As part of the normal contingency plans at all coal fired Power Stations, supply is supplemented from other sources. The specific details of supplemental suppliers are confidential.
(2) Yes.
(a) There is over 30 coal stock days at Hendrina Power Station (levels vary daily).
(b) Coal is transported by conveyor belt from Optimum Colliery and is trucked in from the supplementary sources.
(c) This information is commercially sensitive and it is subject to standard confidentiality clauses in Eskom’s agreements with suppliers. Therefore it cannot be disclosed.
(d) This information is commercially sensitive and it is subject to standard confidentiality clauses in Eskom’s agreements with suppliers. Therefore it cannot be disclosed.
(3) If the supply of coal is maintained through other sources then the generating capacity will stay the same.