South Africa needs more power. Coal-fired power stations are consuming our very limited supply of fossil fuels and polluting the atmosphere, and nuclear power stations are expensive and highly controversial the world over. Water-generated electricity is a good option, and the massive Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme, a flagship project for GIBB, is a combination of dam engineering and power engineering. Situated about 23 km north-east of Van Reenen, within the little Drakensberg mountain range, this power station will produce 1333MW, making a substantial contribution to the national grid.

Ingula is the first pumped storage scheme to be built on the continent in 24 years, and will contribute to the overall national electricity supply in conjunction with Medupi and Kusile power stations - both of which will produce 4500MW each - coming on line in the next four to five years.

An ingenious scheme
The shrewd and optimal use of available resources is always a first-prize. When the combined base capacity of coal-fired power stations’ is not fully consumed, the ‘reserve’ or ‘unused’ energy produced is used to pump water to an upper reservoir; energy is therefore saved and stored in the form of water. When there is a high demand for electricity and the power stations’ generation is nearing capacity, water is then released from an upper reservoir to a lower one to generate electricity. This electricity is fed into the national grid, thereby benefiting the general population of South Africa, and making life easier all-round.
   
A feather in the cap for GIBB
The Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme, a massive project in which the cost is in excess of R18 billion and the development thereof spanning 9 years, is awe-inspiring. This Eskom-owned project, supported by GIBB and other members of the Braamhoek Consultants Joint Venture (SSI and Kneight Piesold), commenced in 2004 and will be finalised in 2013. Key features of the project have been the design of the 1333MW pumped storage scheme, on-site design monitoring of access roads, dams, tunnels, caverns, mechanical and electrical works, construction supervision of all aspects of the project and environmental impact assessment.

From 2004 to 2008 there was a lot of reliance on international technical support. Subsequently South African engineers have taken the helm and are now recognised internationally as experts in their field. This means an established national corps of world-class expertise and knowledge. This can only be of great benefit to the development and advancement of future projects in our country, projects which have a roll-out effect for the betterment of the standard of living for all with more employment through greater industrialisation.


For more information please send your queries to marketing@gibb.co.za or visit www.gibb.co.za