Eskom says it is focusing on implementing all projects in order to meet the required 53GW of new additional energy for the period up to 2032 which will ensure energy security. The power utility said the new additional capacity needed will come particularly from renewable energy sources and takes into account the current energy deficit of between 4,000 and 6,000 MW.
According to Eskom Transmission Managing Director Segomoco Scheppers, next five years will be “very critical” for energy supply security: “If the Transmission Development Plan 2022 requirements to deliver an adequate transmission network capacity by 2027 are to be met, a significant investment of R72.2 billion will be required to expand and strengthen the transmission grid over the next five years.”
“Of this amount, R50.8 billion is required for new capacity expansion projects to meet the reliability requirements, connection of new generation capacity and loads, as well as to acquire servitudes. A further R21.4 billion is required to refurbish the existing asset base and procurement of production equipment,” he said.
Eskom explained that the R72 billion will be used to build at least 2,890 km of extra high voltage lines and some 60 transformers by the 2027 financial year.
Source: sanews.gov.za