Temporary exemption for Kusile clean air rules granted to Eskom

Eskom plans to construct “temporary stacks” at Kusile power station by November which are expected to reduce load-shedding by two stages — but there's a catch.

It intends to run these stacks without the use of the flue gas delsuphurisation mechanism for 13 months. This is likely to result in increased sulphur dioxide emissions — more than the applicable limit contained in Kusile’s atmospheric emission licence.

“I have been called on to make an extraordinarily difficult decision,” minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment Barbara Creecy said on Wednesday, announcing she has granted Eskom an exemption from the “lengthy process” required to amend its atmospheric emission licence.

“Eskom’s request pertains to a temporary solution to restore lost generation capacity at its Kusile power station while a damaged stack undergoes repairs.”

These are only due for completion in December next year.