Milestone for South African hydropower project: Neusberg
Southern Africa’s newest hydropower plant met its final project milestone in January, achieving full commercial operation, and was officially launched this week.
The Neusberg project is a run-of-river small hydropower project on the Orange River near Kakamas in the Northern Cape of South Africa. It is the first run-of-river hydropower scheme developed under the Republic of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer’s Programme (REIPPP) and will deliver 10 MW of baseload power in the South African energy market, enough electricity for about 5000 households.
The Neusberg project is owned by Kakamas Hydro Electric Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd (KHEP), a company registered in the Republic of South Africa in which there are four equity participants:, Hydro 1 SA, Hydro Tasmania South Africa, Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (South Africa) Limited, and a community trust funded by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
The REIPPP has been designed by South Africa’s Departments of Energy and Treasury to help achieve a target of 3725 megawatts of renewable energy. It aims to support environmentally sustainable growth, and to stimulate the renewable energy industry in South Africa.
“Hydropower is one of the few renewable sources of baseload energy generation – that is, it constantly generates a predictable flow of electricity”, said Christoff le Grange, Hydro Tasmania’s Director Southern Africa.
“As long as there is sufficient flow in the river, the power plant can generate electricity, and since the Orange River is a managed system, this means that the generation capacity is almost constant.”
Construction at Neusberg began in June 2013 and the power station began commercial operation on 31 January 2015 on time and on budget.
“Hydro Tasmania and its consulting business Entura have been involved in the whole lifecycle of the project from design through construction and ongoing support for operation and maintenance. One hundred years of experience developing and operating hydropower plant in Australia equips us with the expertise to deliver vital skills to this project,” said Mr le Grange.
The project will provide revenue to the project partners for 20 years under the power purchase agreement entered into with South Africa’s energy utility Eskom. It also provides benefits to local communities.
“In an area characterised by high levels of poverty and unemployment, developing the facility has created many work opportunities,” said Hydro SA’s Niel Theron
“At the project’s peak, at least 350 people worked on site, half of them from the local community and specific employment opportunities were created for young people and women.”
Local business also derived benefit from the project’s commitment to spending money on South African goods and services. During the construction period the project maintained a local content spend in excess of 70 per cent.
The project also brings an ongoing social and economic boost to the community. The broader Kakamas community has a 15 per cent shareholding in the project which is administered via the Kakamas Hydro Community Trust. The dividend income will be kept in trust and distributed via community projects that will focus on education, the elderly and children. The dividend spend is monitored by the Department of Energy’s IPP Monitoring Office.
“In addition, the Kakamas Hydro Electric Project (KHEP Project) will spend 2-3% of its revenue – which amounts to approximately R60 million over the life of the 20year power purchase agreement – on community projects,” said Hydro SA’s Economic Development Project Manager Mercia Grimbeeck.
“This will go a long way toward stimulating and facilitating economic growth and social change in a community where it is much needed.”
Now that the construction of the hydro power facility is complete, the existing site office will be donated to the Zwartbooisberg farming community to be used as its new school premises.
Hydro Tasmania will continue to perform an ongoing role in providing remote alarm monitoring and dispatch control services from its 24-hour Hobart operations centre. A local operation crew will be available, to attend to any maintenance issues that may arise.
Hydro Tasmania South Africa will also provide engineering services to the project throughout its life.
Entura signs MOU with HYDROCHINA
Entura has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with leading Chinese power and design consultants HYDROCHINA.
The MOU will see both businesses co-operating on the development of opportunities in the energy and water sectors, including hydropower and renewable energy, sustainability and environmental management and power transmission.
Entura’s Managing Director Tammy Chu said the aim was to establish a long-term strategic co-operative relationship to build on the skills and reputation of both parties with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
“There is immense capability and experience in the energy and water sectors in China and HYDROCHINA is a large corporation in China that provides comprehensive technical service in regards to hydropower, water and renewable energy development,” Ms Chu said.
“What Entura brings to HYDROCHINA is a utility-owner perspective, international experience and credibility across a range of renewable technologies and projects, regulatory knowledge, and niche expertise that can support HYDROCHINA with its project development or implementation activity.
“We look forward to ongoing collaboration on successful renewable energy and water management projects that will benefit both businesses.”
HYDROCHINA is a subsidiary of the Chinese Central Government enterprise POWERCHINA, which ranks 313 among the Fortune Global 500.
The MOU was signed at a ceremony in Hobart today.
Bhutan looks to Entura for hydropower expertise
Entura is helping grow renewable energy development in Bhutan.
A 15-member delegation from the government-owned Druk Green Power Corporation is in Tasmania undertaking an intensive two-week training program at the Entura clean energy and water institute. The program includes courses in hydropower development, hydrology, project economics, and environmental and social safeguards, as well as business systems and leadership.
The training is funded under the Australia Awards Fellowships, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Australia Awards Fellowships aim to develop leadership, address regional development priorities, and strengthen partnerships and links between Australian organisations and partner organisations in developing countries.
Institute Director Dr Amanda Ashworth said the Government of Bhutan is drawing on Entura’s expertise to help realise its aim of providing electricity to all households by 2020 and creating revenue through export of energy to India.
“The government of Bhutan sees the energy sector as a vital tool to improve the quality of life for Bhutanese people, and to alleviate poverty,” she said.
“Developing capability within Bhutan in sustainable hydropower development will provide a foundation to successfully implement the government’s planned energy development projects.”
“Through Entura, Hydro Tasmania is able to share the learnings of 100 years of state-sponsored hydropower development and management, to benefit others who are less advanced in their renewable energy journey,” she said.
The Bhutanese Fellows have spent time in classroom-based learning, but have also undertaken field trips to some of Tasmania’s hydropower schemes, using Hydro Tasmania’s strong asset base to provide real-world experience of theory-based studies.
Entura India wins industry accolades
Entura’s India business has been singled out for excellence by that country’s peak energy body.
The Indian Council of Power Utilities has judged Entura India as “best consultant/consultancy” for the year 2013. The Council is an autonomous organisation with representation from power utilities from across the industry in India.
Entura was the unanimous choice of the jury, which included eminent power professionals. Client feedback was an important part of the selection process.
The award comes after a year in which Entura India expanded its market coverage to deliver feasibility studies for hydropower developments in Nepal, and the detailed design for the Nam Song hydropower project in Laos.
This award recognises the expertise that resides in the India office, supported by the wider Entura group and will reinforce Entura as leader in this emerging market.
The award was presented in late November 2013 in Hyderabad by Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy the Chief Minister (Premier) of Andhra Pradesh (South Indian state).
Sharing Entura’s grid connection expertise in Asia
Entura’s South East Asia Business Development Manager presented a paper at Clean Energy Expo Asia in Bangkok recently.
The presentation was titled ‘Clever thinking powers wind farm grid connection’ and detailed how Entura worked closely with Hydro Tasmania to connect Musselroe Wind Farm to the grid using a combination of technologies and control methodologies.
It delved into the complexities of dealing with a connection point in a remote corner of a weak power system, and the coordination of various controls and supports to achieve grid compliance and successful operation.
Clean Energy Expo Asia is the region’s leading conference and exhibition dedicated to the clean energy market and was co-located with Energy Efficiency Asia and Carbon Forum Asia. Find out more on the conference website.
Entura recognised for export success
Entura has been awarded a Tasmanian export award recognising its commitment to exporting and its success in the international market over the past year.
“The international market is very important for our business growth and today approximately one-quarter of the projects we undertake are for international clients,” said Tammy Chu, Managing Director Entura.
“We are very proud that we are able to apply the skills and expertise of 100 years of sustainable energy and water development and operations on projects for clients around the world.
“We are particularly proud of our exporting achievements over the past 12 months where we have expanded on our product and service offering and unique capabilities to offer training to businesses and professionals through the Entura clean energy and water institute. Since its launch in December last year we have delivered nine courses attended by 113 international participants,” said Ms Chu.
Entura has recently opened an office in South Africa to support the consulting work it is undertaking in the region.
Entura will now attend the national awards in Melbourne on 26 November 2013.
Entura opens doors in southern Africa
Hydro Tasmania and its consulting business Entura have broken ground in a new international market, with the official launch this week of a hydropower project in South Africa.
Entura has been involved for two years in the Neusberg project, which is a run-of-river small hydropower project under construction on the Orange River near Kakamas in the Northern Cape of South Africa. Construction officially began this week with a sod turning ceremony.
Entura’s role encompasses the whole lifecycle of the project from design through construction and ongoing support for the operation and maintenance after completion in January 2015.
Hydro Tasmania also plays a role in the Neusberg project as developer and 25 per cent equity participant in the project company Kakamas Hydro Electric Power (Pty) Ltd, together with Hydro 1 SA (Pty) Ltd, Old Mutual, and a community trust funded by the Industrial Development Corporation.
“The project brings great benefits to the local community, both through ensuring a financial share in the project through the community trust, and through job creation for work on the scheme,” said Stephen Davy, Hydro Tasmania Chief Executive Officer.
The Neusberg project is the first run-of-river small hydro scheme to be delivered under South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer’s Program and will deliver 10 MW of base load power in the South African energy market.
“Southern Africa presents great opportunities for Entura as the country seeks to develop its renewable energy potential, with only seven per cent of Africa’s potential hydropower resources currently developed,” Mr Davy said.
“Winning projects in this region further enhances Entura’s and Tasmania’s international profile as a clean energy leader.”
Neusberg is one of several consulting projects being undertaken by Entura in southern Africa, including the identification of opportunities to install mini-hydro hydropower systems on existing water supply infrastructure in Durban, and a water optimisation study for the Ncondezi group in Mozambique.
To better support Entura’s entry to the southern Africa market, it has established an office in Cape Town for its people involved in these projects and as a base for further operations in the region.
Building capabilities at home and abroad
Training offered by the Entura clean energy and water institute is proving beneficial for international and local energy and water businesses alike looking to up-skill. Courses offered by the recently launched Institute are now in full swing, with a number of customised programs already delivered and a series of short courses coming up.
In March the Institute delivered hydro power development training in Vientiane, Laos with a focus on risks and analysis tools to support decision-making. The course included a site tour to the Theun Hinboun Power Company, where participants saw hydro power scheme components first-hand and discussed the key risks and issues managed at the site.
Also during March, a group of Bangladesh government officials were hosted at the Institute’s dedicated training facility at the Entura’s Cambridge office. Focussed on building the mini-hydro capabilities of participants, training provided an understanding of the mini-hydro development process and risks, as well as integration issues specific to renewables. Participants also saw assets in action at site visits around the state.
In early April a group of engineers and non-engineers joined together to undertake the Hydro Power Systems short course, where they learnt theoretical and practical aspects of hydro power systems and hydro power operation and maintenance. This was one of many open short courses being held at the Institute throughout the year, covering a full range of clean energy and water related fields.
Teaching the world about renewable energy
A Tasmanian-based teaching facility officially opened today is expected to be a drawcard for international energy and water businesses looking to upskill their workforces.
The Entura clean energy and water institute will deliver a range of courses for utilities, businesses and individuals in the areas of clean energy, including hydro, wind and solar and in water management.
“Energy and water are critical resources for society. Many businesses are new to clean technologies and require training in incorporating such technologies successfully within their energy portfolios in an effective and sustainable manner,” said Hydro Tasmania CEO Roy Adair.
Hydro Tasmania’s consulting business Entura has been delivering targeted training along with capacity development services for the past 20 years as part of its suite of consulting services. Training has been delivered in countries including Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, Malaysia, China and Cambodia, as well as training for local businesses within Tasmania.
The new Institute is based at Entura’s Hobart office and has dedicated training facilities for classes of up to 30 students as well as facilities for smaller workshops and seminars.
“The Institute provides a platform to formalise and expand Entura’s training provision,” said Mr Adair.
“Working with businesses in remote and international locations requires innovative thinking around course delivery. While the Institute will be headquartered in Hobart, its services may also be provided: on site at the workplaces of businesses in other countries; in the field using Hydro Tasmania’s strong asset base to provide real-world experience; or through use of webex and other online technologies. Training will be appropriately tailored to meet the needs of individual clients.”
Courses are targeted at up-skilling businesses, particularly asset owners, in clean energy technologies and water management. The courses have been designed drawing on Hydro Tasmania’s 100 years of experience and expertise in planning, developing, operating and maintaining energy and water infrastructure.
The institute will target both national and international clients, in markets including Australia, Asia, the Pacific and Southern Africa. Courses will be delivered by technical experts within the Entura and Hydro Tasmania business, and by strategic partners in the venture including the University of Tasmania and the Asian Institute of Technology.
The Institute will deliver its first formal course in sustainable hydropower development in February next year to a delegation of senior managers/bureaucrats from Laos.
More accolades for the Wellington Dam Alliance
The Wellington Dam Alliance was recently recognised at the IEA Engineering Excellence Awards in Western Australia, winning the ‘Innovation and Development’ section for the recently completed upgrade of Wellington Dam.
Entura was a key member of the Alliance by leading the design effort and providing the dam design expertise.
This is the fourth award for this project, after taking out three categories at the 2011 Western Australia Leighton Contractors Excellence Awards.
The upgrade has brought the 70 year old concrete weir into line with modern engineering standards, secured the viability of a multi-million dollar irrigation industry and ensured the safety of downstream communities.
The construction at Wellington Dam was successfully completed on 12 August 2011. The $40 million alliance contract has been an outstanding success with work completed four months ahead of schedule, 15%under budget and without a lost time injury.
Entura announces new Managing Director
Hydro Tasmania CEO Roy Adair recently announced that Ms Tammy Chu has been appointed as the new Managing Director for Entura.
Ms Chu has extensive managerial and business development experience in the consulting engineering industry within Australia and internationally.
Mr Adair said Ms Chu was selected for her proven leadership, experience and energy and will bring tremendous value to the Entura business.
Ms Chu has been employed with Hydro Tasmania for 10 years, most recently as a senior manager responsible for the development and operation of Entura’s services in the water and environment sector. Tammy’s previous positions have included technical, project management and business development roles.
“I am looking forward to leading Entura on the next stage of its growth as it expands its operations in the Asia-Pacific region,” Ms Chu said. ” We have a unique set of skills and experience to offer our clients and our focus will be to continue to deliver innovative energy and water solutions to our clients.”
Ms Chu succeeds Scott Baddiley, who has been appointed chief executive of the Tasmanian operations at accounting firm WHK.
Profile
Tammy has a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Tasmania.
Starting as a graduate, Tammy has held a range of positions at Entura, from Technical Professional to Project Manager, Business Development Manager and Group Manager.
Tammy is an active member of the engineering community, publishing numerous papers on a range of subjects, and is regular presenter at conferences. She has also been an executive committee member of the Young Professional Network of Tasmania.
