The Eskom Research, Testing and Development (RT&D) unit is building a MicroGrid technology demonstration plant in a rural unelectrified village, near Ficksburg, in the Free State.
“This project is a demonstration of next-horizon technology that supports Eskom’s future strategic objectives, as well as solving the energy challenges that we face as a country,” said RT&D GM Barry MacColl.
The project is being rolled out in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the community of Wilhelmina farm and Eskom RT&D’s Smart Grid Centre of Excellence.
“The microgrid being deployed is a combination of renewable energy, energy storage, smart metering infrastructure and telecommunications systems, designed to function as a reliable source of electricity for the community,” MacColl said.
The system is expected to be operational by end-August.