To meet South Africa's growing electricity demand, the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) aims to integrate approximately 56 GW of new generation capacity into the transmission network from 2025 to 2034. This requires constructing 14 500 km of new transmission lines and installing 210 transformers with capacity of 133 000 MVA.

Interim CEO Segomoco Scheppers outlined these objectives during the Transmission Development Plan (TDP) public forum at Eskom's Megawatt Park in Johannesburg on October 30.

This represents a five-fold increase in delivery over the next 10 years compared to the previous decade, he said. R112 billion has been approved for the TDP programme over the next five years.

“We recognise the magnitude of this challenge and delivering on these targets requires a fundamentally new approach. We are working closely with government, the private sector and stakeholders to implement a hybrid delivery model that includes in-house delivery, engineering, procurement and construction and independent transmission projects,” said Scheppers.

A key challenge is overcoming local supply chain constraints as the industry ramps up to meet these demands. To ensure there is capacity to meet the requirements of the TDP 2024, the NTCSA will continue with the incubation programme it launched last year aimed at building local high-voltage line construction capacity, added Scheppers. “Supported by the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, the Industrial Development Corporation and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the initiative is helping to expand the local expertise we need. To date, two contractors have completed the programme.”

The NTCSA is also working to address global supply chain challenges for key equipment such as transformers. It has appointed a panel of suppliers for 101 transformer contracts with 26 large transformers already under contract and expected to be delivered within the next 12 to 36 months. Contracts for the remaining transformers required for TDP 2024 are also underway, Scheppers said.

In addition to delivering on expansion projects, the NTCSA is also committed to maintaining and renewing its existing assets, he pointed out. “With the necessary expertise and resources, we will ensure continued reliability of the grid while investing in its long-term resilience. We are committed to delivering on this ambitious plan, mindful of the safety imperative for people and the environment, compliance and ethical conduct. We expect the same of all our partners.

“Open dialogue, mutual understanding and shared responsibility will be essential as we work together to build a grid that not only meets current needs but is also flexible enough to accommodate future demands and emerging technologies. The importance of a reliable national transmission grid cannot be overstated. Through collaboration we can create an electricity supply industry that best meets South Africa’s power needs.”