WATCH: Massive fire destroys Kriel Power Station’s Unit 6
The blaze has raised serious concerns about South Africa’s strained energy supply.
FILE: Fire at Kriel Power Station unit 6. Picture: X Screenshot
Africa Melane speaks with Matthew Cruz, Energy Analyst.
Listen below.
On Sunday, a fire broke out at Kriel Power Station’s Unit 6 in Mpumalanga.
Workers on site were reportedly scrambling to control the massive blaze.
The fire has raised serious concerns about South Africa’s strained energy supply.
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Eskom released a statement saying the fire appears to have been caused by a burst pipe which spilled oil onto a hot surface.
They also assured the public that this would not affect energy supply or cause a return of loadshedding.
“The turbine housing roof was blown off. It was quite a significant explosion.”
- Matthew Cruz, Energy Analyst
Videos of Kriel Power Station (Unit 6) today around 17:30 pic.twitter.com/sxJdkKQGT2
— Engineer Matšhela Koko, MBL (@koko_matshela) November 3, 2024
Cruz says it is unlikely this unit will come back online as it would be too expensive.
He says what will most likely happen is they will strip this unit for parts and use it for repairs on the other five units at the station.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.