The first phase of the Mokolo and Crocodile Water Augmentation Project (MCWAP), which is under construction partly to provide water from Mokolo dam to the Medupi power station, is behind schedule, Eskom has confirmed. However, the State-owned power utility insists that the delay does not pose a water-supply risk to the power station, the first 800 MW unit of which, Unit 6, is scheduled for commissioning in the second half of 2014.

The delay on both the pipeline and the pump-station components of the scheme has been attributed to strike-related disruptions, as well as damage to the works caused by heavy rainfall and contractor underperformance. State-owned Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority is the project owner and the Aveng and Umbutho Civil and Electrical Joint Venture the construction contractor.

Eskom tells Engineering News Online that, as of the end of January, 25.5 km of what will be a 43 km pipeline had been laid and that the full pipeline is expected to be completed by June 9.

“The construction of the pump station is 97% complete, with dry commissioning forecast for completion on July 16,” Eskom said in a reply to questions. The projected “full water delivery date” is September 9, but should there be further disruptions, the delivery schedule could slip to December 9.

“Project teams from the contractor and employer are managing the expected fallout due to the demobilisation of labour, by engaging the labour and interested stakeholders,” Eskom reports, noting that agreement has been reached on a demobilisation plan.

The contractor is also incurring penalties for the late delivery of the project, but has committed to completing the project by September 9.

Eskom insists that there is sufficient pipeline capacity and water already available to meet Medupi’s water requirements for commissioning and operations.

It notes that the 10.3 km section of the MCWAP Phase 1 gravity pipeline was commissioned on October 29 last year, which has raised the existing pipeline capacity from 14.7-million cubic metres a year to 23-million cubic metres.

“There is, thus, enough pipeline infrastructure capacity to supply six units of Medupi power station from Mokolo dam, excluding water required for flue gas desulphurisation abatement technology, which Eskom will install once MCWAP Phase 2 is completed.”

Once MCWAP Phase 1 is commissioned, the water transfer capacity will increase to 30-million cubic metres a year, with Medupi receiving a maximum of 10.9-million cubic metres. The plant’s yearly demand will be 15.4-million cubic metres and additional water will be supplied from the second phase of MCWAP.

Eskom says it is currently in negotiations with the Department of Water Affairs regarding the MCWAP Phase 2 supply agreements and that water delivery from this phase is projected to be by the end 2019.