The 4.8GW Kusile power station, which is expected to be one of the world’s largest coal-fired power plants upon completion, is being constructed by Eskom Holdings SOC, the state-run electricity public utility, in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

The plant adopts supercritical-pressure technologies for more efficient generation of power than standard coal-fired systems, resulting in a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.

The construction of the power plant began in August 2008. Units 1 and 2 were synchronised to the national grid in March and July 2017, respectively. Unit 1 was brought into full commercial operation in August 2017.

The third unit was synchronised by March 2019. Units 2 and 3 started full commercial operations in October 2020 and March 2021, respectively. The total planned operational life of the power plant is 50 years. The plant will generate enough electricity to power 3.5 million South African households, upon the commissioning of all six units.