Name of the Project
Kruisvallei small hydroelectric plant.

Location
Along the Ash river, between Clarens and Bethlehem, in the Free State, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Integrated African independent power producer Red Rocket. H1 Holdings participates as a 46.5% shareholder through the project company, Zevobuzz.

Project Description
Kruisvallei was granted preferred bidder status in the fourth round of the South African Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme in April 2015, and was the third hydropower project to be procured under the programme.

The hydropower plant comprises two run-of-river hydropower plants that combine to supply 4 MW of hydroelectric power through two turbines that will generate about 24 GWh/y.

The Ash river flows vary from about 15 m3/s to 40 m3/s, depending on the release schedule from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

It is estimated that about one-billion cubic metres of water will flow through each turbine every year.

The plant will also prevent the emission of an estimated 23 800 t/y of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Potential Job Creation
More than 714 jobs have been created during the construction phase and several long-term jobs will be created during the operational phase.

Capital Expenditure
R370-million, of which R235-million has been provided by a specialised debt fund Facility for Investments in Renewable Small Transactions. The fund was established to provide simple, accessible and efficient funding for renewable-energy projects in South Africa.

Planned Start/End Date
Construction began on March 26, 2019, and reached commercial operation on February 25, 2021.

Latest Developments
Red Rocket has announced the start of commercial operations at the Kruisvallei hydropower plant.

This is the first project within Red Rocket’s greater portfolio, which has been undertaken using the group’s fully integrated business model.

Red Rocket will, therefore, participate in the full life-cycle of the project, from development, design and construction to operation and maintenance.

H1 Holdings also sees a growth in its portfolio through the completion of this project, making the project an authentic vehicle for empowerment through the power sector in South Africa.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Red Rocket (engineering, procurement and construction of the plant); and Red Rocket Asset Management (operations and management).

Contact Details for Project Information
Red Rocket Energy, tel +27 21 418 3940 or email info@redrocket.energy.