As disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz continue, large energy users globally and in South Africa are facing a new risk: the availability of diesel during a power system crisis may not be guaranteed, says Dominic Goncalves , Advisory Partner: Energy Strategy at Cresco Project Finance and Founder and Director of Naviara Energy.
The availability of diesel during a crisis has historically been assumed. When South Africas power system is under strain, diesel supports utility-scale and decentralised back-up generation.
During stable system operations, Eskoms open-cycle gas turbines OCGTs are used at minimal levels to balance the system. During these periods, Eskom uses approximately 3-10 of South Africas total diesel demand.
