JSE-listed Altron subsidiary Powertech Transformers, in collaboration with State-owned power utility Eskom and the Department of Science and Technology, through the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU), has designed, built and tested new shunt reactors exclusively specified for the South African market.
Altron on Tuesday announced that the new reactors, which covered the 30 MVAr/132 kV, 40 MVAr/22 kV and 30 MVAr/22 kV ranges, were uniquely adapted and perfected for Eskom and the local grid, with the power utility already having ordered three of the new reactors.
“We are thrilled that Eskom is supporting Powertech Transformers by believing in our technology development capabilities and partnering with us to bring a brand new world-class product to South Africa,” Powertech Transformers CEO Bernard Meyer said.
Altron added that there were currently no other local suppliers with the capability to design, build and test these shunt reactors.
“The new shunt reactors open a niche market for us in South Africa, as well as abroad. There is also strong demand for refurbishment of existing old shunt reactors, which we also offer,” Meyer noted.
He further stated that the development of skills, as well as technology, was vital to this project.
As part of the project, a team of young local engineers were sponsored by the TLIU to assist with the development of the product under the guidance of the research and development specialists from Powertech Transformers’ technology division.
“We acquired international knowledge and transferred it to South Africa. Our young local engineers were the key players in developing this,” Meyer commented.