If Eskom\u2019s claim of ageing infrastructure causing a significant deterioration in performance is true, the US and South African power stations should show similar trends.<\/p>\n
A significant difference in performance points to other factors, like poor maintenance, mismanagement, and a lack of skills.<\/p>\n
We used the energy availability factor (EAF) \u2013 the percentage of time the power station was available for use when it was needed \u2013 as a measure of performance.<\/p>\n
From 2009 to 2021, Eskom\u2019s Tutuka and Duvha had an average EAF of 64% and 56%, respectively. It means that since 2009 they were only available for 64% and 56% of the time they were needed.<\/p>\n
In 2021, Tutuka and Duvha had average EAF of 37% and 44%, respectively. It is expected to be much worse in 2022.<\/p>\n
Wansley and Scherer, in comparison, had an average EAF of 90% and 89%, respectively, over the same period. They were, therefore, available for 90% and 89% of the time they were needed.<\/p>\n
An interesting observation is that Scherer and Wansley had an upward trend in their EAF figures as time progressed.<\/p>\n
The large differential suggests that ageing infrastructure can still be reliable. With regular maintenance and using the latest technology, their performance can even improve.<\/p>\n
In Eskom\u2019s case, poor skills, mismanagement, and a lack of maintenance are the likely culprits for breakdowns and the low EAF \u2013 not ageing infrastructure.<\/p>\n
The chart below shows the performance over time of the two power stations in the United States compared with Eskom\u2019s Tutuka and Duvha.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Eskom-collapse-v2.png\")
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This article was first published on Daily Investor. Read the original here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
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