Eskom has announced that Unit 4 of the Medupi Power Station was successfully returned to service on 6 July 2025, adding 800 MW to the national grid. This milestone strengthens South Africa’s energy security and enhances the stability of electricity supply. The unit’s return follows extensive repairs which have been completed eight months ahead of the original schedule, made possible by the use of a refurbished generator stator. This was a quicker alternative to waiting for a new component.
Eskom’s Medupi Power Station in Lephalale, Limpopo. [Source: Eskom]
Unit 4 at Medupi had been out of service since 8 August 2021 after sustaining significant damage from the explosion of its generator stator, a key component in the operation of the generation unit.
As part of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan, Eskom’s engineering teams implemented strategic measures to fast-track the unit’s return cost-effectively. To avoid the costly delays associated with the long delivery time for a new generator stator, Eskom sourced a used stator from the Netherlands as an interim solution, enabling the unit’s earlier return to service.
With the return of Unit 4, all six units at Medupi are now operational and will contribute a combined capacity of 4 800 MW to the national grid once unit 4 reaches full output in the coming weeks.
“The return of Medupi Unit 4 marks a major milestone in our strategic objective to achieve operational stability through the addition of 2 500 MW to the grid. At the same time, Eskom remains committed to its Operational Excellence Programme, which focuses on restoring performance, strengthening oversight, and ensuring accountability from service providers,” said Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane.
“This latest development again reflects progress in our Generation Operational Recovery Plan, which is central to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the broader economy. This achievement moves us closer to consistently overcoming load shedding, which is now largely behind us due to structural improvements in the generation fleet, as we continue to build a more reliable, resilient, and sustainable power system,” Marokane said.
Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, said: “Eskom applauds the Medupi team, support staff, and all execution partners for their dedication and professionalism, including the daunting task of safely transporting the 400-tonne generator stator some 1 000 km by road from Richards Bay to the power station, a feat accomplished by Eskom Rotek Industries. Their achievement serves as a motivation for our teams as we advance our recovery efforts. We are confident that, like the other units, Unit 4 will deliver stable electricity to the national grid, enhancing South Africa’s energy security.”
Medupi Power Station, located in Lephalale in South Africa’s Limpopo province, holds the distinction of being one of the world’s largest dry-cooled, coal-fired power plant. As one of the newest additions to Eskom’s fleet, Medupi features advanced supercritical technology that allows it to operate at higher temperatures, improving efficiency while reducing coal and water consumption, an essential advantage in a water-scarce region.
The station is designed to recycle and reuse all water involved in the power generation process on site. It is also equipped with low nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) burners to minimise NOₓ emissions. Additionally, Medupi has been designed to accommodate future installation of flue gas desulphurisation technology, which will cut sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions by more than 90%, further enhancing its environmental performance.
True to its name, which means ‘rain that soaks parched lands, bringing economic relief’ Medupi has invested in local socio-economic development and continues to play a valuable role in supporting South Africa’s economic growth and development.
For more information visit: www.eskom.co.za