Powertech Transformers (PTT), a subsidiary of Powertech and the JSE-listed Altron Group, recently completed the manufacture of two 315 MVA 400 kV power transformers for the City of Tshwane municipality, which are the largest for this municipality to date.

The transformers are for the new Wildebees Infeed-Station, the first 400 kV substation for Tshwane, on the eastern side of the city. The transformers were designed, reviewed, manufactured and successfully tested at PTT’s test department at their Pretoria West factory, with only local engineers involved.

The transformers were manufactured using 60% local copper, locally manufactured varistors and insulation material. Empty units weigh 186 t each and 314 t each once oil-filled. The transformers are 17 m long, 7.4 m wide and 9.45 m high.

They will be transported by State-owned power utility Eskom’s Rotran specialised vehicle. Rotran operates a large flotilla of vehicles unique to South Africa that deal with specialised loads.

The transformers are strategically important to the City of Tshwane, as they are part of the Phase 1 Wildebees Infeed-Station that will supply electricity to the Tshwane bulk electricity network because of rising demand, owing to the continuous growth of the city.

The town of Kungwini has been incorporated into the City of Tshwane’s municipal area, resulting in increased electricity demand for the municipality. The Wildebees Infeed-Station will form part of the major infeed stations, Kwagga, Njala and Rietvlei, where electricity is supplied directly from Eskom.

Powertech Transformers CEO Bernard Meyer says that Eskom is one of the very few clients that buy transformers at that voltage range in Africa. The company supplies Eskom’s transformers to all the major substations for the City of Tshwane.

“PTT’s factories are located in Pretoria West, Johannesburg and Cape Town and are all ISO 9001-, ISO 14001- and OHSAS 18001-certified. The on-time and high-quality supply of the two units, supported by local after-sales service, will ensure total peace of mind for the City of Tshwane,” says Meyer.