Medupi Power Station

The Medupi Power Station is a massive coal-fired plant located near Lephalale in the Limpopo Province. Boasting an installed capacity of 4,764 megawatts, it stands as the largest dry-cooled power station in the world. This cooling technology is vital for the water-scarce Limpopo region, as it reduces water usage by approximately 90 percent compared to conventional wet-cooled facilities. Medupi comprises six generating units, each utilizing supercritical boilers to enhance thermal efficiency and lower carbon emissions per unit of electricity produced. The project was initiated by Eskom in 2007 to address South Africa's surging energy demand. It sources its coal directly from the neighboring Grootegeluk Mine via conveyor belts. The station is a fundamental component of the national grid, contributing roughly 12 percent of South Africa's total electricity. Despite various technical setbacks during its construction phase, it remains one of the continent's most ambitious engineering achievements.

Nearby cities

Polokwane

The capital of the Limpopo province is the largest urban center in northern South Africa.

Phalaborwa

Known as 'The town of two summers', it is situated right at the central gate of the Kruger National Park.

Thohoyandou

The former capital of the Venda homeland is today the cultural and commercial center of the Vhembe region.

Mokopane

Formerly called Potgietersrus, the town is surrounded by one of the richest agricultural areas in the country.

Sabie

Sabie is a picturesque forestry town on the banks of the Sabie River, surrounded by spectacular waterfalls and dense pine forests.

Tzaneen

The second largest town in Limpopo is situated in a lush, green, fertile region producing tropical fruits.

Hazyview

A key hub for adventurers, the gateway to Kruger National Park and the scenic Panorama Route.

Graskop

Graskop is a charming small town on the Panorama Route, famous for spectacular viewpoints like God's Window and the Graskop Gorge Lift.

Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit is a major safari hub located between Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon, renowned for its wildlife conservation …

History & landmarks

Skukuza

Skukuza is the bustling administrative capital and largest rest camp of the Kruger National Park, situated on the banks of the Sabie River.

More places

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Grootegeluk Coal Mine

The largest open-cast coal mine in South Africa, supplying fuel to nearby power stations.

Makapansgat

Makapansgat is a significant paleontological valley with an extremely long record of human occupation spanning millions of years.

Venetia Diamond Mine

The largest producer of diamonds in South Africa, currently transitioning from open-pit to underground mining.

Mapungubwe

Mapungubwe was a pre-colonial urban settlement and African kingdom that flourished south of the Limpopo River.

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Modikwa Platinum Mine

An independently managed platinum mine on the eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex.

Foskor Phosphate Plant

A major producer of phosphate rock and phosphoric acid, essential for agricultural fertilizers.

Palabora Copper Mine

South Africa's main producer of refined copper, originally famous for having the widest man-made hole in Africa.

Thulamela Ruins

The Thulamela ruins are a stone-walled archaeological site associated with the Late Iron Age and the Zimbabwean culture.