NERSA impressed with progress made at Medupi Projectx - Eskom

NERSA impressed by progress made at Medupi
A delegation from the National Energy Regulation of South Africa (NERSA), accompanied by an Eskom
delegation, visited Medupi power station on 20 July. The visit orientated NERSA regulatory members with
the new build projects undertaken by Eskom, and shared with them the progress made in the construction
of this supercritical plant made up of 6 X 800 MW boiler units with a total capacity of 4 800 MW.
Jainthree Sankar, deputy project manager, Medupi power station project, indicated that Medupi is
making a socio-economic difference in the nation and region through infrastructure and regional
development, job creation and local skills development. “This plant is designed to generate supercritical
steam, fitted with pulse jet fabric filters and low NOx burners, as well as being Flue Gas Desulphurisation
(FGD) ready. The use of proven technology makes Medupi a more efficient and environmentally-friendly
power plant,” she said in shedding light on the technology applied in this plant.
An hour-long site tour led by Ronald Mahange, a Civil lead site engineer, was conducted to show
members the construction progress made. Mbulelo Ncetezo, executive manager, Electricity Regulation,
when giving feedback of the tour, congratulated the team for a job well done. The experience was
affirmed when he stated that, “touring the plant was a momentous experience for NERSA and could
affirm that issuing Eskom with the licence to construct was the right thing to do.”
In his response, Kobus Steyn, senior general manager, Construction Management, was grateful for the
interest that NERSA has shown in the project and extended an invitation to members to return when the
project synchronises its first unit, Unit 6, in 2013. “This day will be evident by the tears that many shall
shed when they see all their efforts become a reality, a life-changing experience not to be missed,” he
said.
NERSA chairperson Cecilia Khuzwayo was fascinated by the sterling job the project had accomplished and
thanked Kobus and his team for hosting them. With a face full of joy, she closed by saying, “This visit
enlightened our eyes in many ways, and going forward we can relate better with the developments of the
project.”
The visit was hosted by Lusanda Jiya (senior manager, Stakeholder Management), and the delegation
included, amongst others, Mohamed Adam (divisional executive, Regulation and Legal), Johan Prinsloo
(Medupi power station manager), Bheki Nxumalo (Matimba power station manager), and Tess Maroos
(manager, Communication and Stakeholder Management, Group Capital Division).
…END.

Photograph and caption
NERSA visit 1.jpg
A NERSA and Eskom delegation on a site tour during their recent visit to the Medupi power station.