Medupi’s Unit 5 synchronised to the national grid

Medupi’s Unit 5 was synchronised to the national power grid on 8 September, becoming the second of the power station’s six units to come on stream.

The synchronisation of Unit 5 also marks a key milestone towards the full commercial operation of the unit.

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Brian Molefe, commented: “Medupi Unit 5 synchronisation is a clear indication that we are on track on delivering the entire New Build programme to the country. This milestone further strengthens our position that load shedding is becoming a thing of the past. I am thrilled by this achievement. Eskom has turned the corner.”

Eskom Chairperson, Dr Baldwin Ngubane, remarked: “This achievement of Medupi Unit 5 synchronisation is proof that Eskom is in good hands under the leadership of Brian Molefe and his executive team. We commend the team for their dedication and commitment in working tirelessly to ensure that Unit 5 synchronisation is achieved ahead of schedule. This is a remarkable achievement.”

Once completed, Medupi will consist of six units with an installed capacity of 4 800MW. The planned operational life of the power station is 50 years.

The Medupi power station uses direct dry-cooling systems due to the water scarcity in the Lephalale area. Dry-cooling systems use air instead of water to cool the steam exiting a turbine. The power plant incorporates super critical technology, which is able to operate at higher temperatures than Eskom’s earlier generation of boilers and turbines. Importantly, the technology enables the power plant to operate with greater efficiency, resulting in better use of natural resources such as water and coal, and will have improved environmental performance.

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/power/09092016/medupis-unit-5-synchronised-to-the-national-grid-28433/