TimesLive reports that according to Eskom’s spokesperson, Sikonathi Mantshantsha, load-shedding will continue until capacity of 4,000MW-6,000MW of capacity is created.
Speaking on 702, Mantshantsha said: “SA does not have enough capacity to generate sufficient electricity for all of us, and that goes back to 2007. You cannot put a time frame [on it].” Mantshantsha said it would take at least 18 months to generate about 1,800MW of capacity. He stated that old power stations coming to the end of their useful life added to the battle to keep the lights on. “Each year these power stations are getting older and some must be retired. That gap will keep growing if there is nothing to replace them,” he warned. Earlier this week, mineral resources and energy minister Gwede Mantashe was reportedly in talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa about the establishment of a “second Eskom’’. The additional state-owned utility would work alongside Eskom and apparently focus entirely on generating electricity and building more power stations. Mantashe told Sunday Times that the country needed “baseload”, an apparent reference to burning coal. “What we are suggesting — it’s not a decision yet — is let’s have a second generation company of the state and that company must focus on baseload and there must be a build programme for power stations,” he indicated.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Unathi Nkanjeni at BusinessLive
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