ACTOM High Voltage Equipment is currently in the process of manufacturing 400 kV and 132 kV high-voltage primary equipment for the Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm project, located between Bethal and Morgenzon in Mpumalanga.
Once completed, the Ummbila Emoyeni 900 MW hybrid renewable energy facility will be the largest facility of its kind in South Africa. Work is currently underway on phase 1 of the project, which will see 155 MW commissioned by late 2025 or early 2026. The project is being developed by Seriti Green, a subsidiary of coal mining company Seriti Resources, which focuses on mitigating climate change. The wind farm forms part of an agreement that will see clean power wheeled through the national grid to meet the carbon neutrality aspirations of Seriti Resources. Divisional CEO, Casbah Zwane says the company is supplying high-voltage circuit breakers, disconnectors, instrument transformers, and line traps to the wind farm.
Grid connection
“We are on track with the manufacturing of the equipment for phase 1 of the project, which is set to be completed by Q2 2025. Our scope of work is to supply high-voltage equipment that will be used for the grid connection of the wind farm. This is for both the Eskom Main Transmission Substation, where the wind farm eventually connects to, and the Eskom Distribution Substation used for switching purposes. We are essentially supplying most of the outdoor transmission and distribution equipment,” says Zwane.
Once the project is completed, Seriti Resources will use 75% of the wind farm’s output power to supply its coal mines. The company has yet to decide how the remaining 25% will be used. It is understood, however, that this amount of electricity could power up to about 265 000 South African households. By switching to renewables, the project is also set to cut Seriti Resources’ carbon footprint significantly.
“We are very proud to be associated with this project, given its environmental significance and the fact that it is likely to have a positive impact on climate change. We are equally proud of the fact that it is a very important project in terms of South Africa’s clean energy transition,” says Zwane. He notes that by supplying equipment to the wind farm project, ACTOM is able to showcase its capabilities not only in South Africa but also beyond the country’s borders.
Engineering and technical skills
“The project enables ACTOM to demonstrate its capabilities to the global markets in terms of both our engineering and technical skills, and our means and resources to supply projects of this scale. I expect that it will open other avenues for us going forward,” he adds. “We look forward to supporting Seriti and its stakeholders in phases of this project as it ramps up to 900 MW. It is an excellent achievement for us to be part of this value chain and project that supports local manufacturing and supply.”
ACTOM will provide support for the wind farm beyond the life of the current project, in the form of aftersales support and technical support, which will be provided promptly and efficiently. This is due to all the necessary skills and components being in the country and thus in close proximity to the project.
South African businesses can alleviate energy price crisis
Electrical Power & Protection
While grid instability remains a concern, the immediate and most critical driver of South African commercial and industrial investment in renewable energy is the escalating cost of electricity.
Read more...Real-time modelling is the key to a resilient, bi-directional energy grid Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Utilities and municipalities are facing a challenge as the country’s legacy power grid, engineered for one-way energy delivery from centralised suppliers to end-users, must rapidly evolve to meet a new paradigm.
Read more...Shielding data centre growth from the looming power crunch Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Today’s digital economy is placing unprecedented strain on the power grid. The good news is that these challenges are not insurmountable. By adopting proactive strategies such as alternative power sources, infrastructure planning and software, operators can secure capacity, build resilient facilities and scale sustainably.
Read more...Circuit breaker innovations Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Recent advancements in circuit breaker technology have seen a major step forward in setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in data centres, industrial and commercial infrastructure.
Read more...Common battery tester errors and what they mean Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Battery testers help quickly assess battery health, diagnose issues, and determine whether a battery needs a charge or replacement. This guide covers some of the most common battery tester errors, what they mean, and what can cause them.
Read more...Cathodic protection design considerations that influence ESG outcomes Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Electrical Power & Protection
Major infrastructure like wharves, bridges, pipelines and tanks are at constant risk of corrosion. David Celine, managing director of cathodic protection specialist Omniflex, explains how CP system design can support ESG commitments, while simultaneously lowering costs and improving maintenance capabilities.
Read more...Recovering condensate and waste heat
Electrical Power & Protection
According to Associated Energy Services, strong partnerships with thermal energy users optimise opportunities to benefit from condensate return. waste heat recovery and the prevention of system contamination.
Read more...Quantum engine powered by particle entanglement
Electrical Power & Protection
In a landmark achievement that signals a new era in energy research, a team of physicists in China has carried out the first successful test of a quantum engine powered by particle entanglement. This technological breakthrough represents a fundamental shift in our approach to energy production.
Read more...Advancing sustainability in South Africa’s fruit industry Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric, together with Technoserve Medium Voltage, has implemented its advanced SF6-free MV switchgear at Two-a-Day situated in Grabouw in the Overberg district.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version