Medupi power station construction kicks off

By Rhodé Marshall
14 August 2007

Eskom says it has started the process of building a new coal-fired power station in Limpopo, which is the first of its kind in 20 years.

“The Medupi Power Station (which means, ‘rain that soaks parched lands’) symbolises economic relief to the area where it will be constructed,” says Eskom spokesman Fanie Zulu.

Medupi is the second power station in the province and will be constructed at a cost of R80 million.

“The site measures 883 hectares, a piece of land previously used for game and cattle grazing, formally known as the Naauw Ontkomen farm,” says Zulu.

He added that the planned operational life of the station is said to be 50 years.

Eskom says a dry cooled process uses less water than a conventional coal-fired plant.

“Medupi is the fourth dry cooled power station, following Kendal and Majuba in Mpumalanga and Matimba Power Station in Limpopo,” says Zulu.

Zulu says that Eskom takes into account comprehensive environmental management which was the case with the proposed construction of the Medupi coal-fired power station.

“Medupi will be the first base load power station to come online since the construction of Majuba Power Station in the late eighties, says Eskom Chief Executive, Jacob Maroga.

He also says that this project will enhance the reliability of power supply in the country.