Fossil Power Plant Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Fossil Power Plant Operator. A Fossil Power Plant Operator: Operates, monitors, controls and performs field operations on fossil power plant systems to support the generation of energy in a safe and reliable manner. A qualified learner will be able to: • Operate and control the auxiliary plants of a Fossil power generation facility. • Perform field operations on power generation plants in a fossil power generation facility.

The National Development Plan aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. According to the plan, South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capacity of the state, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society. Research confirms the fact that there is a direct causal relationship between the availability of reliable and cost-efficient energy and economic development. The Integrated Resource Plan 2010 to 2030 (IRP) anticipates that, to sustain the required economic growth needed to deliver on the South African National Development plan we will have to increase our electricity generating capacity by approximately 40%. This will be done through a balanced mix of electricity generations that is set out in the IRP. Eskom generates approximately 95% of the electricity used in South Africa and approximately 45% of the electricity used in Africa. Eskom generates, transmits and distributes electricity to industrial, mining, commercial, agricultural, residential customers and redistributors. Additional power stations and major power lines are being built to meet rising electricity demand in South Africa. Eskom will continue to focus on improving and strengthening its core business of electricity generation, transmission, trading and distribution. Fossil fuels will remain a significant part of the energy mix for the future; South Africa is endowed with an abundance of coal and have vast resources that can be exploited to the benefit of the country and its people. This qualification is targeted at school leavers with Level 4 and also targeted at developing occupational competence for a key occupational grouping in the power generation value chain. Power Plant Operators are on an eight hour, three shifts in a 24 hours' day and ensure the efficient operation of the various power plants. There is a continual shortage of properly skilled power plant operators in this occupation, with the new build programmes this situation can be improved and thus curb and/or reduce the demand, and or shortage of suitably qualified power plant operators in future. The capacity building of this cadre of employees is critical to the success of our National Development Plan and the sustaining of our economy. Obtaining this qualification will launch the learner onto a career path within the industry and will assist in creating the required pool of future leaders in this essential sector.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • Occupational Certificate: Auxiliary Fossil Power Plant Operator; NQF Level 4, SAQA ID 103263.

• Prepare all fossil power plant systems for service in order to ensure operability of the plant.
• Perform field operations on the various fossil power plant systems/components during start up, normal operations and shut down.
• Monitor and control plant systems/components in the field in different operating conditions, in order to ensure that they continuously operate within the required specifications and parameters.
• Conduct required administration and reporting functions in a fossil power generation plant.