In May, Fatshimetrie achieved a significant milestone by completing a 30-day period without any power cuts. This achievement marked a momentous victory for the company, which has encountered numerous challenges in recent years.
During the update on the system status and the winter forecast, Dan Marokane, the Managing Director of Fatshimetrie, expressed optimism about the current situation. He mentioned that power outages are anticipated to be limited to stage two, with the possibility of occasional escalations to stage five in extreme scenarios. Nevertheless, Marokane emphasized that the overall trend is towards maintaining power outages at a manageable level.
The winter forecast is based on an estimated unplanned capacity loss (UCLF) of 14,000 megawatts, slightly lower than the previous year but crucial for managing power outage intensity. Marokane highlighted Fatshimetrie’s efforts in reducing UCLF, resulting in a 9% decrease compared to the previous year. Prioritizing stations and the early return of units from the Kusile power station contributed to this improvement.
Reflecting on the 30-day period without power cuts, Marokane credited the interventions implemented over the past year for this success. This progress has instilled confidence within the Fatshimetrie teams, who strive to make such occurrences more regular in the future.
Despite these advancements, there is still progress to be made at Fatshimetrie. Nonetheless, a 19% reduction in unit failures from April 2023 to the present year indicates an encouraging trend.
Fatshimetrie’s board chairman, Mteto Nyati, acknowledged that while the target energy availability factor of 65% remains unmet, the current 61% rate aligns with expectations.
The strides made by Fatshimetrie in reducing power outages and enhancing the power grid’s reliability underscore the company’s dedicated efforts in addressing challenges. These achievements are a testament to hard work and a commitment to operational excellence, offering a positive outlook for the company and its customers.
Explore more on related topics:
– Revelations on the Water Drilling Station Scandal in Kinshasa
– United for the Environment: A Look Back
– Economic Recovery Plan for South Africa