komati station Archives - Business Directory

Komati Power Station Repurposing & SEIM Feedback

Ms Mandy Rambharos of Just Energy Transition (JET) and her team met with members of the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday 14 February 2022, to discuss the current situation regarding JET independent assessments of Komati’s repowering and repurposing potential.

Sumaya Nassiep from Eskom said they are looking at repowering initiatives such as solar (~100MWp) + 50MWp ash dam, battery storage (600MWh), gas (possible 500MW), wind (50MW) and suppliers and supply chain operations. Some of their reuse initiatives include microgrid assembly plants, AgriVoltaics (500kWp) and ash geopolymer production. Socio-economic initiatives focus on empowerment, enabling, retraining, upskilling, microgrid assembly, agriculture (aquaponics) and raised beds. Enterprise development, such as incubators for small and medium enterprises and digital hubs will also be implemented.

The commissioning of the agricultural photovoltaic systems and microgrid assembly plants is targeted within the next six months. In addition, technical studies have confirmed the capacities of the photovoltaic and battery plants that Eskom will install in the next 12-28 months. Training and skills needed in this area were discussed and various training opportunities such as the South African Institute of Welding were highlighted. Eugene Rossouw said there should be a closer relationship between Eskom representatives and the Steve Tshwete Municipality (STLM). STLM has prepared a business plan for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence skills centre.

The skills needs of the community should be taken into consideration when training is provided in the Komati region. Another important point for members was that the manufacture and supply of some parts in the assembly of the microgrid equipment, such as the stands and other components that can be manufactured locally, should be used as part of the STLM plan for local economic development. It is essential that the parties involved in Eskom JET take into account the many studies that have already been done in this area to achieve the best outcome for the success of the project. Members interested in receiving a copy of the presentation can contact Anna-Marth Ott at ceo@middelburginfo.com.

Bidding for the repurposing of Komatie soon

Since 2017 Middelburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry has been lobbying on all available platforms that there is an economic future for our region in Power Generation.

MCCI is glad to report that Energy Transition Office Head Mandy Rambharos reported last week that the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the repowering and repurposing

Komati Power Station could be released within the next two months as soon as the internal and government governance matters have been settled.

Rambhoras said that the comprehensive social impact reports would be completed for Komati, Hendrina, Grootvlei and Camden to and these reports will be published soon.

Many local Energy Intensive Users and other businesses in the area rely on the Komanti and Henderina Power Stations’ repurposing.

MCCI has been urging that Eskom and the government investigate and promote the stations’ repowering, using renewable energy and storage solutions, or possibly switching their fuel sources to either gas or hydrogen.

Rambhoras said that for the Komati RFP, Eskom would most probably seek repowering proposals involving solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage technologies.

“We are very keen to move quickly towards implementation at Komati this year but have not ruled out parallel processes at the other power stations,” Rambharos said.

“For now, we are focusing on getting Komati off the ground to have that first demonstration project up and running.”

Komati currently has only one operating unit, which is scheduled for closure within two years.

MCCI is eagerly awaiting the implementation of the repurposing of Komati.

Many of our businesses were adversely affected by the Optimum Mine fiasco and want to see our region revitalised with new opportunities and economic growth.