Solving South Africa’s energy crisis

South Africa’s electricity network requires considerable reform over the coming decades if the country is to successfully diversify its generation mix to sources other than coal to meet the increasing demand for power. This view is supported by the Department of Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2010-2030, which anticipates the introduction of 41,346 MW of new generation across various technologies and geographies over the coming 20 years.

In November 2012, 28 renewable energy projects received the impetus they had been waiting for when government signed power purchase, implementation and direct agreements that will enable wind and solar projects identified as preferred bidders under South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (SA REIPPPP) in December 2011 to move to financial closure. These projects total an installed capacity of 1415 MW at an approximate investment of R47 billion, with several installations expected to commence commercial operation in 2014.

As a market leader in renewable energy and a trusted advisor for infrastructure engineering, Aurecon is playing a leading role in ensuring the successful realisation of six of these projects, totalling more than 400 MW, in the capacity of Owner’s Engineer (OE) and Balance of Plant Design Engineer.

“Aurecon understands the business case for sustainable energy, and we are excited about the role we are playing in shaping South Africa’s energy future,” commented Blair Walter, Aurecon’s Renewable Energy Leader who is based in Wellington, New Zealand.

Aurecon Renewable Energy Services Leader for Africa Paul Nel adds that there are significant challenges facing the building of all of these renewable projects.

“There is often a lack of local experience pertaining to these kinds of projects and, what’s more, they all involve technology new to the South African market,” he said.

Walter agrees, explaining that, “The need for an experienced consultant to apply best-in-industry experience to overcome these challenges is key to achieving successful outcomes.”

A snapshot of the six projects appears below.

Cookhouse Wind Energy Facility

The Cookhouse Wind Energy Facility in the Eastern Cape was the largest project awarded preferred bidder status during the first bidding window of the SA REIPPPP. It will have an installed capacity of 138.6 MW, powered by 66 Suzlon S88 2.1 MW wind turbines. It is one of the first projects to commence construction within the SA REIPPPP framework, starting in January 2013 with commercial operations planned for June 2014.

Aurecon has acted as OE on the Cookhouse Wind Farm project since early 2009, providing a wide range of technical advisory services to help progress the project through feasibility and financing phases, including the layout design of the wind farm, wind resource and energy yield assessments and technical advisory services.

“We’ve subsequently been appointed by Renewables Cookhouse Wind Farm to serve as Owner’s Engineer on this project for the construction phase, essentially fulfilling a very vital quality-assurance function which includes contract management and administration, close management of project budgets, cash flows and timelines and monitoring site progress,” said Walter.

He added that the project is widely recognised as the leading wind farm project in South Africa and will look to deliver a world-class renewable energy asset.

Hopefield Wind Farm

Hopefield Wind Farm is located on 2200 ha of farmland near the town of Hopefield in the Western Cape. It will have an installed capacity of 67 MW with a total project value of approximately R1.5 billion. Vestas V100 1.8 MW turbines will be used to meet the 67 MW capacity and will secure an annual yield of approximately 190 GWh.

The farm is expected to take 14 months to construct, starting in early 2013, while the contract has been structured by developer Umoya Energy in such a way that community development and upliftment are achieved through local contract employment and a host of other related community projects.

Aurecon has been appointed by Vestas to provide support for the project in terms of site supervision to ensure high technical quality of the Balance of Plant (BoP) constructed on site. Aurecon will also be providing health and safety and environmental monitoring to ensure compliance with legislation and international best practice.

Dassiesklip Wind Farm

Dassiesklip Wind Farm, located close to Caledon in the Western Cape, will utilise a leased area of approximately 602 ha. The development will be comprised of nine 3 MW Sinovel turbines, with a total installed capacity of 27 MW.

Aurecon has been appointed by Iberdrola/Group Five to provide detailed engineering design for a number of the BoP systems, including geotechnical services, turbine foundations and electrical reticulation.

Letsatsi and Lesedi PV projects

The Letsatsi and Lesedi photovoltaic (PV) installations each represent an installed capacity of 75 MW DC. The Letsatsi park will be installed at Soutdrift, near Bloemfontein in the Free State, while Lesedi is located at Humansrus, near Kimberley in the Northern Cape. Construction of both installations - which are owned by the consortium of SolarReserve, Kensani Group and Intikon Energy - will commence in early 2013.

Aurecon has teamed up with Lonjas to provide services to the owner of both projects, including design review as well as construction supervision and health and safety monitoring, amongst others.

Kathu Solar Energy Facility

Kathu Solar Energy Facility will be located approximately 16 km north-west of mining town Kathu in the Northern Cape and is expected to have an installed capacity of 100 MW. Kathu is located in an area rich in iron ore deposits and has a strong infrastructure network. The project will comprise a 75 MW AC PV system mounted on a tracking system to follow the sun throughout the day.

Kathu owners Reisa and Building Energy have appointed Aurecon to fulfil the role of OE on the project, including ensuring all-important technical compliance on all civil, electrical and construction issues, and assisting with the resolution of technical queries and disputes.

“Renewable energy is experiencing a period of strong growth as countries move to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. We are very proud of the work we are doing with our clients on projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide community access to renewable energy,” concluded Walter.