South Africa’s ongoing electricity crisis may see significant relief in the coming months, as Eskom prepares to return Kusile Power Station to full capacity and bring Koeberg Unit 1 back online. After a turbulent year marked by four rounds of load-shedding, the state utility aims to enhance its power generation before the peak of winter.
According to Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena, an intensive maintenance drive was launched earlier this year to strengthen the reliability of Eskom’s generation fleet. This has involved temporarily shutting down multiple units across the country.
Current Status of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station
Koeberg Unit 1, capable of generating 970 MW, has been offline since January 2025 for scheduled maintenance, nuclear refuelling, and long-term operational compliance. The unit is expected to resume service by July 2025.
Last August, South Africa’s National Nuclear Regulator approved a 20-year operational extension for the unit, allowing it to operate safely until July 2044. This extension is a crucial development in Eskom’s broader strategy to stabilize its nuclear energy contributions to the grid.
Kusile Power Station Nears Full Capacity
Kusile Power Station, located in Delmas, Mpumalanga, will finally achieve its intended output of 4,800 MW in June 2025—eight years later than its initial target. Eskom confirmed that all six units at Kusile will be operational by then, marking a historic milestone in South Africa’s energy infrastructure.
However, newly synchronized Unit 6 will only provide intermittent power for the next six months due to ongoing grid compliance testing. Mokwena explained that on-load performance trials would begin in mid-April, with full integration anticipated later in the year.
Table: Key Developments at Kusile and Koeberg (2024–2025)
| Power Station | Unit | Status (as of April 2025) | Expected Return | Capacity (MW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koeberg | Unit 1 | Offline for maintenance and refuelling | July 2025 | 970 |
| Kusile | Units 1–3 | Offline for permanent FGD duct repairs | June 2025 | 2,400 |
| Kusile | Unit 4 | Operational | Active | 800 |
| Kusile | Unit 5 | Operational | Active | 800 |
| Kusile | Unit 6 | In testing phase | Intermittent | 800 |
Background on the Kusile Delays and Challenges
Construction at Kusile began in 2008 with contracts awarded to Hitachi Power Africa (boilers) and Alstom S&E (turbine systems). However, poor management, corruption, and recurring technical issues delayed progress for more than a decade.
One of the major setbacks was the collapse of a flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) duct in 2022 due to a cement-like buildup caused by faulty emission control systems and human error. This incident forced the temporary shutdown of Units 1–3.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) granted a temporary exemption allowing these units to operate with increased emissions in late 2023. They were later taken offline again in early 2024 for permanent FGD duct repairs, which Eskom committed to complete by March 2025.
A Costly Milestone
Energy expert Chris Yelland has emphasized the financial burden of the Kusile project, stating that it may be the most expensive coal-fired power plant ever constructed globally. Between cost overruns, extended construction timelines, and losses to businesses from load-shedding, the project’s economic impact has been profound.
Despite the cost, the nearing completion of Kusile’s full capacity and the restoration of Koeberg Unit 1 offer a potential turning point for Eskom and for energy security in South Africa.
Conclusion
As of April 2025, Eskom appears to be on track for a major recovery in generation capacity. With Kusile Power Station finally achieving full capacity and Koeberg Unit 1 returning to the grid, South Africa could see fewer instances of load-shedding and a more stable energy outlook heading into winter. However, long-term success will depend on sustained maintenance, efficient grid testing, and transparent project management.
FAQs
When will all Kusile units be operational?
All six Kusile units are expected to be online by June 2025, although Unit 6 will undergo grid testing and deliver intermittent capacity for about six months.
Why is Koeberg Unit 1 offline?
Koeberg Unit 1 has been undergoing scheduled maintenance, refuelling, and upgrades to comply with extended operational requirements. It’s due to return to service by July 2025.
What caused the delays at Kusile?
The project was hampered by mismanagement, corruption, labour disputes, and a major technical failure involving the flue-gas desulphurisation system.
Will these updates reduce load-shedding?
Yes, the return of over 5,700 MW in generation capacity from Kusile and Koeberg is expected to ease the load-shedding burden significantly, especially during winter 2025.
Is Unit 6 at Kusile fully functional?
Unit 6 has been synchronized to the grid but will not consistently deliver full output until grid compliance testing concludes later in 2025.
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