In a bold move to address South Africa’s persistent energy and infrastructure woes, several Eskom engineers are undergoing specialised training in India at the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), the country’s top power utility.
This initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November 2024 between Eskom and NTPC during the Matla Urja Energy Conference in Johannesburg. The partnership focuses on improving Eskom’s technical capacity, particularly in the operation and maintenance of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) units — systems vital for reducing harmful sulphur dioxide emissions.
Kusile Power Station has been among the hardest hit by FGD failures, contributing to the loss of over 2,000 MW in power capacity. These breakdowns not only hinder electricity supply but also raise serious health and environmental concerns.
The collaboration aims to transfer NTPC’s decades of experience in large-scale coal plant management to Eskom. The Indian utility will assist with site assessments, technical audits, and a year-long training programme, which began in May 2025. The programme includes hands-on and classroom sessions at NTPC’s Vindhyachal Power Station and Power Management Institute in NOIDA.
Professor Anil Sooklal, South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, described the initiative as a strategic alliance between two nations facing similar energy challenges. “India has transitioned from energy deficits to self-sufficiency. We hope to draw valuable lessons from their journey,” he said.
According to Eskom CEO Dan Marokane, the partnership offers more than training. It also opens access to a vast network of Indian manufacturers for critical spare parts and lays the groundwork for cooperation on green energy initiatives.
“There are three pillars to this MoU,” Sooklal explained. “Training our engineers, sourcing urgently needed spares, and sharing strategies for the future energy transition.”
This South Africa-India collaboration is being seen as a pragmatic step toward revitalising Eskom’s performance and stabilising the country’s power supply.
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