Avon Peaking Power is marking the 10th anniversary of reaching commercial operation, recognising the role the 670 MW facility has played in supporting grid stability and energy security during periods of peak demand and system stress.
Located in Shakaskraal, KwaZulu-Natal, Avon is an Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) facility that supplies electricity to the national grid when additional capacity is required. Together with its sister plant, Dedisa Peaking Power in the Eastern Cape, the two facilities provide more than 1,005 MW of flexible peaking capacity to South Africa’s electricity system.
Avon and Dedisa are among South Africa’s first large-scale privately owned power plants, supplying electricity under long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Eskom. The plants form part of the country’s reserve capacity, supporting the system when scheduled generation is insufficient or when demand changes quickly.
“Avon’s first decade shows why flexible generation remains essential to energy security,” says Sanjeev Mungroo, Country Manager at ENGIE South Africa. “As South Africa adds more renewable energy and storage to the system, it still needs dependable capacity that can respond when demand rises, supply is constrained, or the grid requires additional support. Peaking plants provide this flexibility and help reduce the risk of disruptions to households, industry, and the economy.”
During the anniversary celebration, Mr Mpho Scott, Founder and Chairman of Legend Power Solutions, said: “Although the project has been in operation for ten years, it took more than 20 years to reach this milestone. Avon and Dedisa were the first independent power projects ever bid in South Africa, and there was significant engagement with Eskom, government, regulators and partners before we broke ground. These engagements laid the foundation for the robust REIPPPP programme and the entry of several IPPs into the market. Avon and Dedisa were the first, and today we celebrate a decade of operational excellence and a safety track record without a lost-time incident, which is a phenomenal achievement.”
Taira Nozaki, Country Manager, Mitsui & Co., said: “As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to note that Avon was also designed with future fuel flexibility in mind. Its plant layout allows for conversion to gas-fired technology as gas supply and infrastructure develop, giving the facility a pathway to support South Africa’s longer-term energy transition while anchoring the emerging gas market.”
In his video address, Honourable Arthur Thamsanqa (Thami) Ntuli, Premier for the Kwazulu Natal Province said: “Avon has been more than a supplier, for the province, it has been an economic safeguard, supporting local industries and contributing to the stability of the regional infrastructure. The diversification of our energy mix is no longer a luxury it is a survival imperative. Avon Peaking Power proves that the private sector is not just a participant, but a vital partner in ensuring a that’s a national energy security and driving the transition to a more resilient power system.
Premier Ntuli added, “The benefit of energy availability extends far beyond the balance sheets. It is found in the student who can study at nights, the entrepreneur who can scale their business without a fear of equipment damage, and the community that assists a path towards a prosperous future.”
All three shareholders affirmed their long-term commitment to South Africa and their ambition to work with stakeholders to advance the country’s energy transition in support of a more secure, sustainable and inclusive energy future.
Peaking power remains important as South Africa’s energy mix becomes more diverse. Renewable energy is central to the country’s transition, but variable generation must be supported by flexible assets that can respond quickly and reliably. Batteries will play a growing role in this system, while dispatchable plants such as Avon and Dedisa continue to provide proven support when the grid needs additional capacity.
“Energy security is built through reliable assets, strong partnerships, and disciplined operations. Avon’s contribution over the past decade reflects that responsibility, and ENGIE South Africa remains committed to supporting South Africa with flexible generation, renewables, batteries, and practical energy solutions that strengthen the wider system,” Mungroo concludes.
