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28 July 2023
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Fire at Grootvlei Power Station Unit 2 triggers emergency shutdown, Mpumalanga
Eskom's Grootvlei Power Station Unit 2 in Mpumalanga experienced a setback on Saturday, 22 July 2023, when a fire broke out, leading to its shutdown.
Eskom confirmed that a fire broke out at Grootvlei Power Station Unit 2 at approximately 07h50. The fire was contained and extinguished within an hour with no injuries sustained.
“The unit was online and generating 175MW of electricity when it was shut down. The unit was manually shutdown following the fire incident due to a leaking fuel oil supply/return pipeline. The fire was only confined to the feedwater regulating station and the front-firing floor as the Eskom team managed to isolate the sources of fuel preventing catastrophic damage to the unit” read Eskom’s statement.
“Investigations are currently underway to establish the cause of the leak as well as the nature and extent of the damage caused. The return to service of the unit will be determined in due course. Eskom will work around the clock to ensure that the unit is returned to service as soon as possible.”
The incident has raised concerns about the stability and safety of one of Eskom's oldest power stations. However, spokesperson Daphne Mokoena confirmed that the damage is not extensive and the fire has already been successfully extinguished.
According to Mokoena, the initial investigations suggest that the fire was caused by an oil spill in the boiler room, which subsequently damaged some crucial cables. Although the fire has been contained, the incident highlights the importance of rigorous safety measures and regular maintenance to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Grootvlei Power Station plays a significant role in the country's power generation and any disruption in its operation can have a notable impact on the national grid. As the power station consists of three units, the shutdown of Unit 2 might not lead to a complete blackout but it will undoubtedly put additional strain on the other units to compensate for the loss of capacity.
In response to the incident, Minister of Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has announced that he will personally conduct a site inspection at the Grootvlei Power Station. This decision underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the government's commitment to addressing the issue promptly.
Sources: Eskom, SABC News
Eskom confirmed that a fire broke out at Grootvlei Power Station Unit 2 at approximately 07h50. The fire was contained and extinguished within an hour with no injuries sustained.
“The unit was online and generating 175MW of electricity when it was shut down. The unit was manually shutdown following the fire incident due to a leaking fuel oil supply/return pipeline. The fire was only confined to the feedwater regulating station and the front-firing floor as the Eskom team managed to isolate the sources of fuel preventing catastrophic damage to the unit” read Eskom’s statement.
“Investigations are currently underway to establish the cause of the leak as well as the nature and extent of the damage caused. The return to service of the unit will be determined in due course. Eskom will work around the clock to ensure that the unit is returned to service as soon as possible.”
The incident has raised concerns about the stability and safety of one of Eskom's oldest power stations. However, spokesperson Daphne Mokoena confirmed that the damage is not extensive and the fire has already been successfully extinguished.
According to Mokoena, the initial investigations suggest that the fire was caused by an oil spill in the boiler room, which subsequently damaged some crucial cables. Although the fire has been contained, the incident highlights the importance of rigorous safety measures and regular maintenance to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Grootvlei Power Station plays a significant role in the country's power generation and any disruption in its operation can have a notable impact on the national grid. As the power station consists of three units, the shutdown of Unit 2 might not lead to a complete blackout but it will undoubtedly put additional strain on the other units to compensate for the loss of capacity.
In response to the incident, Minister of Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has announced that he will personally conduct a site inspection at the Grootvlei Power Station. This decision underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the government's commitment to addressing the issue promptly.
Sources: Eskom, SABC News