Isabel Fick, the general manager of the NTCSA’s System Operator division, has highlighted an emerging challenge for maintaining grid stability amid a rising contribution from solar and wind power.
The increased use of solar and wind power in South Africa could cause significantly increased instability in the country’s electricity transmission grid.
The frequency is effectively like the grid’s heartbeat. If it goes out of sync, the grid’s health can deteriorate. While Eskom’s coal-generating fleet has been performing much better than in the past and mostly ensured supply has been able to keep up with demand, the increased use of solar and wind power has created a problem with the timing in grid balancing.
That gives the NTCSA little time to react and increase supply from dispatchable generation sources like coal or nuclear power. “Between 16:00 and 19:00, Eskom’s electricity generation must increase by 4,000 to 5,000MW. That is a massive tempo,” she said.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
You can now buy the EcoFlow Power Hat in South AfricaThe EcoFlow Power Hat produces 12W of power with its solar panel brim.
Read more »
DA urges Mzansi to oppose Eskom's proposed tariff hikes through its ‘Stop Power Grab’ petitionThe DA calls for action against Eskom’s proposed tariff increases that could force families to choose between food and electricity.
Read more »
Eskom Warns of Potential Power Outages Due to Inclement Weather, Mzansi Sees It As Another ExcuseEskom has warned that the inclement weather will affect the power grid, but South Africans aren't buying that as an excuse for outages across the country.
Read more »
Eskom announces 12-hour power outage in parts of GautengEskom has announced that parts of Gauteng will experience a scheduled electricity supply interruption on Friday, 20 September.
Read more »
Eskom sabotage vanishesReports of sabotage within Eskom’s power stations have dwindled since December 2022.
Read more »
Gordhan drove key reforms at power utilityEskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says Gordhan was critical in the power utility’s transformation
Read more »