Eskom Fires Up Diesel Turbines to Prevent Load Shedding Amid Capacity Delays
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. has been heavily reliant on its diesel-fueled open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) to avoid power cuts in South Africa, particularly after delays in restoring essential generation capacity.
The utility revealed that 2,685 megawatts of capacity, originally scheduled to return on September 23, did not materialize, forcing Eskom to activate its diesel units to meet the country’s rising electricity demand. Furthermore, colder-than-expected weather has increased energy consumption, putting additional strain on the power grid.
In response to inquiries, Eskom noted, “Higher-than-expected electricity demand driven by cold weather has contributed to this situation.” Despite these challenges, Eskom has successfully avoided rolling blackouts for over six consecutive months.
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Increased Usage of Diesel Turbines
While Eskom has received commendations for its efforts to prevent load shedding, the utility admitted that plant outages have resulted in “extensive usage” of its diesel turbines, which are generally meant for short-term, peak demand. In September 2024, Eskom reported that it utilized more power from these units than in the same month of the previous year.
However, despite this increased dependence on diesel turbines, Eskom has significantly reduced its diesel expenditure. From April 2024 to September 2024, costs have dropped to about one-third of the R17.1 billion (approximately $980 million) spent during the same timeframe in 2023.
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Looking Ahead: No Load Shedding Forecast
Eskom remains hopeful about sustaining its load shedding-free record. The utility confirmed that the outlook for no power cuts through the end of March 2025 is still in place, despite recent challenges stemming from higher demand and delayed capacity restoration.
By persistently utilizing diesel turbines and strategically managing energy resources, Eskom is dedicated to keeping the lights on across South Africa in the foreseeable future.