- Eskom commissions Kusile Unit 6, adding 800 MW of coal-fired power to South Africa’s national grid.
- Completing Kusile and Medupi power stations strengthens Eskom’s coal-fired power generation capacity.
Eskom, South Africa’s national power utility, has commissioned the sixth and final unit at the Kusile coal-fired power plant. The new unit adds 800 megawatts (MW) capacity to the national grid. This milestone also marks the completion of Eskom’s long-running projects at Kusile and its sister station, Medupi. The two power plants now provide 9.6 gigawatts (GW) of capacity, each contributing 4.8 GW.
Construction of Kusile and Medupi began in 2007. The original completion target was 2014, but both projects faced years of delays. Despite these setbacks, Eskom pressed ahead. Its decision shows a strong commitment to coal-fired power in South Africa’s energy mix. Each plant is expected to operate for around 50 years, making it vital to the grid for decades.
By 2024, South Africa’s total installed generation capacity will reach about 63 GW. Coal accounted for 69 per cent of that figure, or nearly 44 GW. Yet technical problems at many coal-fired plants have cut their available output in recent years. For this reason, completing Kusile and Medupi adds essential stability to the system.
Coal still dominates electricity generation in South Africa. It supplies around 85 per cent of the national power. Eskom operates 15 coal-fired stations, making it the largest producer of coal-based power in Africa.
The commissioning of Kusile Unit 6 shows the continuing role of coal in South Africa’s energy sector. The government and Eskom are exploring renewable options, but coal remains the backbone of supply. With Kusile and Medupi complete, Eskom has strengthened its position as the cornerstone of coal-fired electricity generation.