South Africa’s Power company Eskom has suspended some staff following an explosion at Eskom’s Medupi power plant. The company’s Spokesperson, Sikonathi Mantshantsha stated that after a preliminary investigation, it was found out that the explosion was as a result of a deviation from normal procedures at one of its units.
“Eskom has undertaken to place those employees who were responsible to manage and execute this work under precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the investigation.
“Investigations are underway into the cause of the incident. Eskom will update the public on developments as well as to what extent this unfortunate incident will impact on the national grid,” he said
The 4,764-megawatt Medupi coal station started commercial operation on the last of six units earlier this month, and the combined losses to generation capacity as a result of the incident are equivalent to 1,440 megawatts.
The explosion that rocked Medupi Power Station in Lephalale is happening less than a week after Eskom announced that the station, the biggest dry-cooled and most expensive power station in the world had attained commercial operation status.
