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Load Shedding in South Africa Suspended Until Further Notice After Nine Days of Stable Power Supply

© AP Photo / Themba HadebeElectricity pylons from Kusile coal-fired power plant near Emalahleni, South Africa, Monday, May 22, 2023.
Electricity pylons from Kusile coal-fired power plant near Emalahleni, South Africa, Monday, May 22, 2023. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 06.04.2024
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South Africa is facing a serious energy crisis that threatens the country's economic stability. It resulted in frequent and prolonged blackouts, which were taken as a precautionary measure to prevent a complete collapse of the national power grid. However, the situation is gradually improving.
After nine days of uninterrupted power supply, there will be no load shedding "until further notice" since Eskom's production capacity is still sustainable, the state-owned utility company said on Friday.

"Load shedding will remain suspended until further notice, following nine consecutive days of non-implementation. This decision is a result of sustained available generation capacity and adequate emergency reserves," the Eskom's post on X reads.

However, there will be a system update this Sunday.
South Africa's Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa briefing members of the media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 27.02.2024
Sub-Saharan Africa
South Africa Reportedly Plans to Procure Nuclear Energy to Tackle Energy Crisis
Daily scheduled blackouts, imposed on South Africa due to the energy crisis in the country, have intensified last year compared to 2022, according to Eskom.
However, last August, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa assured that the country would overcome the energy crisis by 2024.
To do so, the country has undertaken various measures. These steps include removing the licensing threshold to enable private investment in power generation, improving the efficiency of Eskom's power plants, encouraging and facilitating rooftop solar investment.
Moreover, South Africa's Minister of Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, reportedly stated in February that the government will initiate the procurement of 2,500 MW of nuclear energy, convert diesel open cycle gas turbines to gas (which will generate 3,000 MW), and implement the rollout of solar photovoltaic with battery storage (4,000 MW).
In addition, the state intends to invest about R400 billion (approx. $21.3 billion) to upgrade 14,000 kilometers of transmission lines across the country.
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