Eskom’s controversial mega water project hits next milestone
Eskom says that Unit 2 of the Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme came into commercial operation on Monday, becoming the second generator after the power plant’s Unit 4 to have completed all the prerequisite quality assurance tests.
A report by Carte Blanche alleged that the hydro-powered plant in Kwazulu Natal is more than R27 billion over budget and will be at least four years late when it finally comes online, in 2017.
While all four of Ingula’s units are scheduled for commercial operation in 2017, according to Carte Blanche, Eskom planned to have all four units ready for business in 2013.
Read: What you need to know about Eskom’s newest R25 billion power plant
Eskom said in a statement on Tuesday that Unit 2 has been contributing 333 MW to the national power grid since May 2016 while on a testing phase.
Ingula’s Unit 4 was the first to come into commercial operation, and was launched by President Jacob Zuma last month.
“The commercial operation of these two units mark a key milestone towards the full commercial operation of the entire Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme ahead of the scheduled deadline of mid-2017,” Eskom said.
Eskom’s Group chief executive Brian Molefe said: “The commercial operation of Unit 2 will add an extra 333 MW into the national, and this will enable us to ensure security of power supply to South African homes and businesses.”
“Besides being a catalyst for economic growth, a stable power supply will also enable Eskom, together with municipalities, to rollout electrification programmes to make life easier for millions of households who currently rely on other fuel sources for domestic cooking and heating.”
The remaining two units of Ingula (Units 1 and 3) have also been synchronised to the national grid and are on track for commercial operation within the first half of 2017.
Once completed, all four units of the Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme will produce a total of 1,332 MW.
Eskom said that repairs on Ingula’s Unit 3 are progressing well, and the unit is expected to come into commercial operation in January 2017 as scheduled.
Citing sources, Carte Blanche said that Eskom bypassed safety regulations in order to get unit three up and running and broke the turbine. It then rushed to get unit four open ahead of the elections, which has led to the unit tripping.
Upon completion, Ingula will be Africa’s newest and largest pumped storage scheme, and the 14th largest in the world.
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