Name and Location
Isundu substation project, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Client
Eskom.

Project Description
The aim of Eskom’s KwaZulu-Natal programme is to increase and strengthen the electricity transmission network to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and the southern KwaZulu-Natal region. Eskom, therefore, needs to establish new 765 kV and 400 kV transmission lines, linking the main power generation facilities in Mpumalanga to the load centres in KwaZulu-Natal.

The proposed Isundu 765/400 kV substation will replace the Sigma substation previously authorised.

It is envisioned that the Isundu substation will accommodate the following transmission lines:
• the authorised Venus–Sigma–Hector–Ariadne 765 kV transmission line;
• two 400 kV double-circuit transmission lines from the substation to tie into the existing Hector–Ariadne 400 kV double circuit transmission line about 4 km away; and
• two 400 kV transmission lines to the proposed Mbewu substation, near Empangeni.

In addition, the layout design allows for sufficient space to accommodate an additional 765 kV or a high-voltage direct current transmission line, and three 400 kV transmission lines, if required, in the future.

Other infrastructure will include an access road, a communication mast between 30 m and 50 m in height, oil and fuel storage facilities and an oil bund to contain any accidental transformer oil spill.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
Construction is estimated to take three years.

Latest Developments
The proposed Isundu 765/400 kV substation is a replacement to the Sigma substation previously authorised.To obtain environmental authorisation for the proposed Isundu substation, Eskom has applied to the National Department of Environmental Affairs for authorisation in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010.

Also, the 765 kV transmission line from the Venus substation authorised up to the Sigma 1 site, near Wartburg, will have to continue along the authorised transmission line corridor up to the Isundu substation. Thus, an application to amend the project configuration in the previous authorisation has also been submitted.

The draft scoping study has been released for review and comment by the public from April 29 to June 9, 2015.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Acer Environmental Consultants.

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Acer Environmental Consultants, tel +27 35 340 2715, fax +27 35 340 2232 or email isundu@acerafrica.co.za.