Eskom power plant duvha

The Duvha plant was engulfed by smoke on 13/06/2022 – Photo: Twitter

WATCH | Oh great, one of Eskom’s biggest power plants has caught fire…

Eskom has confirmed that a fire broke out at one of their major power stations on Monday – as captured by this viral footage.

Eskom power plant duvha

The Duvha plant was engulfed by smoke on 13/06/2022 – Photo: Twitter

The last thing Eskom needs right now is one of its biggest power plants catching fire. And yet, here we are: The Duvha Station in Witbank was engulfed by a huge cloud of smoke on Monday morning, after a blaze broke out at Unit 2.

More Eskom misery as Duvha plant catches fire

As South Africa heads into winter, concerns remain about Eskom’s ability to keep the lights on throughout the chilly season. After a turbulent year of power cuts, load shedding is always a matter of ‘when’, rather than ‘if’. A fire at a power station, therefore, does the utility no favours.

However, it would appear some small mercies have been granted. The Unit that caught fire had actually been offline since January 2022. There were no injuries or deaths to report as a result of the inferno, either.

Watch: Eskom power plant on fire

With Eskom’s energy grid unaffected, and all service personnel safe and accounted for, things could have ended MUCH worse. Footage of the fire has since emerged online, showing the scale of the blaze. Thankfully, it was extinguished ‘relatively quickly’ after first being reported.

Duvha avoids worst outcomes – but blaze far from ideal

Eskom have issued a statement on the Duvha fire this afternoon, confirming that an investigation into the root cause is currently underway. There are now real concerns about how long it will take Unit 2 at the plant to return to service.

“Eskom can confirm that a fire broke out this morning on Unit 2 at Duvha Power Station. The flames wwere quickly extinguished. Eskom is currently investigating the root cause of the fire and extent of damage and possible return to service.”

“No injuries to personnel were reported. The unit had been offline for a general overhaul since January 2022.”

Eskom statement on the Duvha Power Station fire, Monday 13 June.