Eskom facing ‘Code Red’ – as major nuclear error reported

The next 12 months promise to be an almighty struggle for Eskom, which has now reached 'Code Red' - and it's all gone wrong at Koeberg.

Sep 12, 2022 - 11:50
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Eskom facing ‘Code Red’ – as major nuclear error reported

We can think of a few better ways to start the week than by receiving a ‘Code Red’ warning about Eskom. But, when the utility adds a major nuclear cock-up into the mix, the outlook gets even bleaker. A comedy of errors is now making a bad situation even worse for Mzansi.

Why is Eskom now at ‘Code Red’

Over the weekend, Eskom published it’s power outlook for the year ahead. Needless to say, it makes for a tough read.

For 49 of the next 52 weeks, the ‘likely risk scenario’ for load shedding is rated high. The only predicted respite comes for two weeks at Christmas, and during one week in September 2023. For the foreseeable future, Eskom is indeed operating ‘at Code Red’.

Eskom code red nuclear koeberg
The right-hand column predicts the risk of load shedding over the next 52 weeks – which is almost exclusively in ‘Code Red’ – Photo: Eskom

What is Code Red, and what does it mean for Mzansi?

Anton Eberhard is one of South Africa’s top energy policy specialists. After studying the ‘red-all-over’ column on the far right, he urged all citizens to make the switch to solar or battery power as soon as they can – because the next 12 months ‘will be a struggle’.

“We are now at Code Red. [That’s according to] ⁦South Africa’s power system outlook for the year ahead, published by Eskom. If you’ve not yet bought your home or business a solar/battery system yet, now’s the time…” | Anton Eberhard

Nuclear mistake sets Eskom back on road to recovery

This news was compounded by another development reported on Monday, though. As per News24, it was confirmed that a R5bn nuclear generator destined for the Koeberg Nuclear Plant was ‘dropped on the factory floor’, causing extensive damage to the 360-tonne structure.

It’s an error of epic proportions, and there are serious consequences for South Africans. With one of Koeberg’s units currently offline, the national grid remains depleted. Chris Yelland, a leading energy analyst, summed up the crisis in his own words…

‘Good grief’ indeed!