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What happened?
South Africa’s state-run power utility, Eskom, has reported improved performance with its Energy Availability Factor (EAF) hitting 60.6% in June 2025, marking a positive turnaround from past struggles with blackouts and infrastructure issues. Eskom managed to maintain this stability by reducing maintenance and strategically using emergency reserves, avoiding load-shedding during a significant period. As part of its future strategy, Eskom is considering new ventures like Bitcoin mining and AI-driven data centers to utilize surplus electricity and address financial pressures.
Who does this affect?
This development primarily affects South African citizens who have experienced frequent blackouts and power outages over the years. The improvement also impacts industries dependent on stable electricity, potentially aiding economic growth and job creation. Furthermore, Eskom’s exploration of Bitcoin mining and AI centers could affect stakeholders in those sectors, offering new opportunities and competition.
Why does this matter?
Eskom’s improved performance and new strategic direction could stabilize South Africa’s electricity market, providing reliability to businesses and consumers alike. By exploring Bitcoin mining and other tech-based uses for surplus energy, Eskom aims to address its financial challenges while responding to renewable energy demand. However, environmental concerns regarding Bitcoin mining’s energy consumption remain, influencing how these market changes are perceived globally.
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