Pretoria - The delivery of power by Kusile and Medupi power plants, next year, proves government’s success in implementing large-scale infrastructure development projects, says Minister in the Presidency, Collins Chabane.
Briefing media on Thursday following Cabinet’s regular meeting, Chabane said these projects are milestones in the country’s development.
“Sustainable energy is vital for domestic and industrial customers and opens up possibilities for growing the economy, which has been a priority for this administration since 2009,” said Chabane, adding that the projects added to the country’s new growth path.
Eskom recently announced that Kusile -- the first power station in South Africa to have flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) -- is expected to deliver first power by December 2014.
FGD is a state-of-the-art technology used to remove oxides of sulphur, such as sulphur dioxide, from exhaust flue gases in power plants that burn coal.
Located in Mpumalanga, construction of the coal-fired plant is expected to be fully completed in 2018.
The station will consist of six units each, rated at approximately 800 MW installed capacity, giving a total of 4 800 MW.
Additionally, the Medupi power station, which is located to the west of Lephalale in Limpopo, is on track to deliver first power in the second half of next year.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also lauded the signing of the Treaty, on the US $100 billion Grand Inga Hydropower Project, during the recent visit by President Jacob Zuma to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The project will extend energy access in Africa and present immense benefits for agriculture, mining and other sectors in the region.
Once completed, the project will generate 40 000 MW of renewable energy to half of the African continent and stimulate job creation, skills development and technology transfers in participating countries and will benefit domestic and industrial users.
Chabane said this was vital for economic growth and competitiveness throughout the SADC region. - SAnews.gov.za
