Eskom exemption on SO2 emissions to lower load shedding by two stages

Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokopa  has welcomed the decision by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s National Air Quality Officer to grant Eskom an exemption in terms of the Minimum Emission Standards (MES) pertaining to the sulphur dioxide (SO2) emission levels at Kusile power station.

The postponement was granted on 5 June 2023 and the updated Atmospheric Emission Licences were issued on 13 June 2023.

ESKOM TO OPERATE BEYOND SET MINIMUM EMISSION LEVELS

The decision means that the embattled power utility will be able to operate the three units without the use of the Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) plant, which is equipped with emission-abatement technology for SO2, for a period of up to 31 March 2025, while the flue gas ducts in the permanent stack are being repaired.

Ramokgopa said this is significant in that it will allow for the return of three units at Kusile.

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“We are talking about 2 400MW, and that is two and a half stages of load shedding. Eskom will do anything that is possible to ensure that we [mitigate the] impact of sulphur dioxide that gets emitted into the environment,” he said.

Ramokgopa said although there are exemptions Eskom is meeting all the emissions parameters, barring the ones of sulphur dioxide content and that is why they have asked for an exemption, which is provided for in the legislative dispensation in the country.

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