The power utility’s fourth annual IPP Conference, which kicked off on Thursday at its Megawatt Park headquarters in Sunninghill, Johannesburg, concludes on Friday.
The Conference is being held under the theme “From Reform to Resilience, Powering a Just Energy Future”.
Eskom Distribution, the National Transmission Company SA (NTCSA), independent power producers and other electricity-sector stakeholders are participating.
Grid constraints remain a major obstacle to developing new generation projects and strengthening energy security.
The Conference will examine infrastructure limitations, existing connection procedures and opportunities to make better use of available grid capacity.
Eskom Distribution’s Grid Access Unit is coordinating the gathering as part of continuing engagement with independent power producers.
The utility said the Conference aimed to develop practical proposals addressing common challenges, improving coordination and supporting project implementation.
Discussions will consider progress on grid connections, capacity constraints, associated risks and lessons from projects already under development.
Independent power producers will also present experiences and proposals for improving connection processes and accelerating project delivery.
Stakeholders will review development plans across Eskom Distribution and NTCSA to ensure that investments in electricity infrastructure align with planned generation projects.
The discussions will focus on optimising existing capacity while identifying opportunities to expand the national grid.
Eskom said stronger partnerships were essential to unlocking SA’s energy potential.
The utility said faster integration of independent producers would expand generation capacity and strengthen the reliability of the electricity system.
Continued investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure would also be required to overcome connection barriers and accommodate additional generation.
The Conference is expected to produce actionable proposals aimed at strengthening partnerships, removing grid-access obstacles and creating opportunities for new energy projects.
Eskom concluded that closer collaboration with independent power producers would help build a more reliable, resilient and sustainable electricity system and support SA’s long-term energy security.
–Eskom/ChannelAfrica–
