Blackout vs Loadshedding

May 08, 2025 00:02:01
Blackout vs Loadshedding
ESI Africa Podcast
Blackout vs Loadshedding

May 08 2025 | 00:02:01

/

Show Notes

Power and energy expert, Prof Vally Padayachee spoke to ESI Africa about the difference between loadshedding and a power blackout.

He elaborates specifically on why the South African electricity network more secure than that of the Iberian Peninsula which experienced a total grid collapse and a major power blackout on 28 April 2025.

View Full Transcript

Episode Transcript

[00:00:00] Good day everyone. This is your power and energy guru, Professor Valley Padiachi. Today I want to clarify the difference between load shedding and a power blackout in the context of South Africa's electricity challenges with power generation. Load shedding is a control process where utility providers like Eskom intentionally cut power supply to specific areas for defined periods to prevent an overload of the generation system. [00:00:28] Unfortunately, until very recently, this has become commonplace in South Africa due to capacity issues, maintenance delays and aging infrastructure. Conversely, a power blackout is an uncontrolled loss of power across the region resulting from significant failures in the grid or natural disasters. Unlike load shedding, which is planned, a power blackout unpredictable and can cause widespread disruption. [00:00:59] Now, regarding network security, why is the South African electricity grid seemingly more secure than that of the Iberian Peninsula, including Spain and Portugal? Our experience with managing supply and demand, particularly through structured load shedding practices, allows us to maintain some level of stability. [00:01:20] Our grid also has all the bells and whistles, buckles and braces and multiple redundancies to make it resilient. In comparison, the Iberian Peninsula faces challenges from an inflexible generation portfolio and heavy reliance on intermittent renewable sources without seemingly adequate backup systems leading to blackouts. Additionally, South Africa has an excellent team of ESKOM and municipal grid operators managing the grid. In summary, while both load sharing and blackouts indicate systemic issues, South Africa's approach to managing these challenges provide a unique level of grid security compared to the Iberian Peninsula. I thank you.

Other Episodes

Episode

September 26, 2025 00:09:24
Episode Cover

Is AI a panacea for all that ails the electricity industry?

Energy expert Professor Vally Padayachee explores the potential role AI could play in addressing the ongoing electricity crisis in South Africa. The situation is...

Listen

Episode

May 21, 2025 00:02:25
Episode Cover

Vally Padayachee on virtual wheeling

Energy Expert Vally Padayachee explains what are the challenges that can prevent municipalities from fully benefiting from the “Virtual Wheeling of Electricity.”

Listen

Episode

December 09, 2022 00:20:37
Episode Cover

Everything you need to know about Formula E in Cape Town

Listen to this exclusive interview with Iain Banner, Chairman and Co-founder of e-Movement Pty Ltd. which will host the upcoming E-Fest, showcasing e-mobility through...

Listen