Pretoria - Eskom has strengthened its Western Cape network by commissioning the Kappa-Sterrekus 765 kV line.
“The line was commissioned on Tuesday, 29 November 2016 and the Western Cape is now connected to the 765 kV network over and above the 400 kV network. The 765 kV is one of the highest voltages used for electricity transfer in the world,” said Eskom in a statement on Thursday.
This line connects Sterrekus 765 kV substation through the 765 kV network to the north. The substation is equipped with all the latest switchgear and protection schemes.
Sterrekus will be the new hub for Transmission Western Grid, as it connects to Koeberg and other major substations in the Peninsula.
The 400 kV network to the Western Cape was established in 1974 with only two lines from the North to the Western Cape. Following that, a third and a fourth in-feed was established.
“This is the first major change to the transmission network since 1974, giving the Western Cape a much-needed secure supply from the major power stations in the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces.”
Eskom said the line between Kappa near Touwsrivier and Sterrekus posed severe challenges to the construction teams, as entry to some of the mountainous areas could only be achieved by helicopter with construction taking place mostly by hand.
Eskom said that it was also difficult to obtain the servitude as the line had to cross the Ceres and Tulbagh Valleys and required extensive public and stakeholder engagement.
“Eskom, together with its contractors, were able to accomplish this milestone in the face of these challenges and we are truly proud of this achievement,” said Eskom. - SAnews.gov.za
