Eskom to add extra generation capacity at cost of R178 billion

Eskom says it plans to add at least 30GW of new generation capacity – mainly from solar and wind energy sources – to the system over the next 10 years, as part of its transmission plan.

Eskom’s transmission plan

Increase transmission infrastructure

This was revealed in the power utility’s Transmission Development Plan for 2022 to 2031, which was presented to various stakeholders.

Eskom said it will be building the required infrastructure to accommodate the envisioned extra capacity.

“To provide for an adequate and reliable transmission system, Eskom plans to increase the transmission infrastructure by approximately 8,400 km of extra-high-voltage lines and 119 transformers to bring on board 58 970 MVA of transformer capacity over the next 10 years.

“Major expansion of the transmission network is critical for the connection of utility-scale renewable generation projects, mainly wind and solar, in line with the policy direction highlighted in the Integrated Resource Plan of 2019) and the Grid Code to diversify South Africa’s energy mix, and to provide non-discriminatory access to the grid,” the utility said.

ALSO READ: Load shedding stage 4 to hit from midday

R178 billion over a decade

Eskom’s Group Executive for Transmission, Segomoco Scheppers, revealed that the cost of the utility’s transmission plan is expected to run to at least R178 billion over the next 10 years.

“Of this amount, R144 billion is required for new capacity expansion projects to meet the reliability requirements, the connection of new generation capacity and loads, as well as to acquire servitudes.”

“A further R34 billion is required for refurbishments to the existing asset base and procurement of production equipment, as well as strategic spares,” Scheepers said.

Other sources

He said in the shorter term, Eskom is working on connecting other sources of electricity to the grid over the next few years.

“Work is in progress to allow the connection of utility-scale renewable generation projects for Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), projects which are expected to be connected to the national electricity grid by 2024/25.

”We are also making our systems ready to connect the additional 2 000 MW capacity procured through the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP) and this capacity is expected to be available during the course of next year,” he said. 

NOW READ: Even Mabuza’s crossed fingers couldn’t stop more load shedding