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Eskom finding the right quantity and priced coal for its power plants

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World Coal,


Eskom and Exxaro Resources had a 40 yr contract for the supply of coal to Arnot mine that ended on 31 December 2015. Due to high coal price and the mine supplying below the contractual requirement, Eskom did not renew the contract.

Eskom, following its standard tendering process, approached the open market in an effort to identify cost-efficient suppliers to provide coal to Arnot coal-fired power plant. The company has previously stated that this process would be completed in March 2016 and has all intentions of completing by this date. As such, the process has not yet been finalised and therefore no contract has been awarded.

Eskom’s Group Executive for Generation, Matshela Koko, said: “In order to ensure business continuity of Arnot, Eskom has responsibly sourced coal from seven interim suppliers. These interim suppliers will ensure security of coal supply pending the conclusion of the long-term contract. One of these suppliers is Optimum who has provided less than 15% of the coal delivered to Arnot in January. All interim suppliers deliver coal significantly below the previous Exxaro price – further demonstrating the correctness of Eskom’s decision to seek a new supplier.”

Koko added: “Eskom is in no way involved with transactions relating to the ownership of coal mines and is solely focused on procuring coal of the required quality to Eskom’s power plants, at the right time and at optimal cost. The company categorically states that it is moving away from ‘owning the bakery’ to just ‘buying the bread’. Eskom will therefore create market tension through an open and competitive enquiry process to source coal from any suitable supplier.”

He said Eskom is dismayed by accusations regarding any purchase of coal from Optimum due to an ownership change to Tegeta. Eskom further notes that there was no outcry when Eskom previously bought coal from Optimum when it was owned by Glencore nor were there any complaints on the ownership of any other coal supplier.

“These double-standards are unfair and Eskom is unapologetic about engaging with any supplier irrespective of ownership. As such, Eskom will fulfil its mandate and assess suppliers only on their ability to provide coal on negotiated terms and conditions irrespective of any perceived political connections,” Koko concluded.

Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/01022016/eskom-finding-the-right-quantity-and-priced-coal-for-its-power-plants-145/

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