Eskom has responded to concerns raised by a report from German consultancy group VGBE Energy regarding potential stage 13 load shedding in South Africa. The report, commissioned by the National Treasury to assess Eskom’s coal-fired power plants, emphasised the urgent need for repairs and upgrades to the power utility’s water treatment plants.

According to the German engineers who studied Eskom for over four months, the primary issue lies in the deteriorating condition of the water treatment plants, particularly at major power stations like Medupi and Matimba. The shared raw water treatment plant serving these stations is reportedly in disrepair, jeopardizing their full operational capacity. The report warned that failure to address these issues could lead to a shutdown of 12 units with a combined capacity of 9,800 MW.

Furthermore, the report highlighted the insufficiency of the current water supply for essential projects like the wet flue gas desulfurisation plant at Medupi and Matimba, slated for completion by 2025. The Kendal water treatment plant also requires immediate attention, as its poor condition could result in the offline status of six units, totaling 3,840 MW.

If these water treatment plants fail, the cumulative effect could lead to a massive 13,640 MW loss, resulting in an unprecedented stage 13 load shedding in South Africa.

In response to these findings, Eskom’s Eric Shunmagum, a senior manager in the Group Executive Generation Office, expressed disagreement with certain aspects of the report. He clarified that Medupi and Matimba power stations do not share a water treatment plant and refuted claims of critical maintenance requirements that could lead to a shutdown. Shunmagum asserted that Eskom was already addressing many issues raised in the report and that the operational situation outlined in the document pertained to the period between March and May 2023. He highlighted Eskom’s implementation of a new energy plan, including increased planned maintenance, after the report’s delivery in September 2023.