In a recent update, the Presidency has provided detailed insights into the strides achieved in executing the Energy Action Plan (EAP) aimed at resolving the nation’s persistent issue of load shedding.
Introduced by President Ramaphosa in July 2022, the EAP operates under the guidance of the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM), headed by the Minister of the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. The plan sets out to alleviate load shedding in the short term and ensure long-term energy security through five pivotal interventions:
Restoring functionality to Eskom and enhancing existing supply availability.
Facilitating and expediting private investment in generation capacity.
Streamlining the procurement of new generation capacity from renewables, gas, and battery storage.
Encouraging businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar.
Undertaking a comprehensive transformation of the electricity sector to achieve sustained energy security.
The recently released report underscores notable advancements across all intervention areas over the past six months:
Swift restoration of three units at the Kusile power station ahead of schedule has bolstered Eskom’s existing fleet availability, curbing load-shedding occurrences.
The introduction of robust tax incentives and financing mechanisms led to a substantial increase in rooftop solar installations by businesses and households, surpassing 5000 MW and alleviating grid demand.
Release of three additional bid windows in December 2023 for 7615 MW of new capacity, spanning solar, wind, gas, and battery storage.
Advancement of preferred bidders for the risk mitigation program, with initial projects, including expansive solar and battery storage hybrid initiatives, already integrated into the grid.
Initiation of Eskom’s Cross Border Standard Offer Programme (CBSOP) to procure up to 1000 MW from neighboring countries for three years.
Approval of 1136.5 MW under the Eskom Standard Offer Programme, exceeding the initial 1000 MW target.
Activation of the first project from Eskom’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) programme, providing 100 MWh of storage capacity, with seven additional projects underway.
Unlocking 3400 MW of grid capacity in the Cape region through curtailment, facilitating increased generation capacity integration.
Establishment of an independent board for the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA), nearing operational readiness.
Advancement of the Electricity Regulation Amendment (ERA) Bill in the National Assembly, is poised to revolutionize the electricity sector through market establishment.
Finalization of the National Wheeling Framework, awaiting NERSA approval to enable uniform access to wheel electricity nationwide.
The government remains committed to fully executing the EAP to eliminate load shedding, with ongoing updates to be provided by the Minister in the Presidency for Electricity.
Comments