A new publication detailing upcoming infrastructure projects for potential investors, including energy initiatives, has been launched.
The Construction Book is an initiative launched by the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium (SIDSSA). It is “a collection of guaranteed infrastructure projects going into procurement in 2024/2025”, SIDSSA says on its website, where the book can be downloaded.
Containing over 150 projects with a budget of R158 billion, the book features a dedicated segment to the energy sector, offering an overview of the current national landscape and projects planned for the next fiscal year to enhance infrastructure.
“South Africa faces several energy challenges, including ageing infrastructure, supply constraints, and intermittent power outages. Eskom, the state-owned enterprise responsible for electricity supply, has grappled with financial difficulties and operational issues, raising concerns regarding the reliability and affordability of electricity supply,” the book reads.
“The Construction Book showcases a number of projects, detailing the level of importance of infrastructure in our country. It tells a good story of where we are as a country and where we want to go,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa at the opening of the symposium last month, where the book was launched.
The publication outlines plans to improve the reliability of electricity supply while transitioning towards renewable energy, presenting several energy infrastructure projects. These projects address various issues, from enhancing generation stations such as Medupi and Kusile to improving power distribution and utilisation.
For example, one project is the construction of a new substation, Mbewu, and a new line and transformer that will serve more areas in Kwazulu Natal. This will be a Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation with eight feeder bays.
Another GIS substation is planned to improve the distribution of power from Koeberg Nuclear Power station, with two 400/132 kV 250MVA transformers, suggesting the extension of the station’s lifespan. Eskom has been pushing to extend the operating life of the station by another 20 years but is yet to receive approval from the National Nuclear Regulator.
Another project outlined in the book is a new line to be built in Upington to cater for power produced by Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the future, connecting renewable power sources to the grid.
