By: Energy capital & power

Renewable energy company EDF Renewables has commissioned a main transmission substation (MTS), which will connect 1.5 GW of renewable energy to South Africa’s national grid. The substation is the first self-build MTS by an independent power producer (IPP) in the country.

Situated outside Noupoort in the Northern Cape, the Koruson 400/132 kV MTS is integrated to an existing 400 kV overhead line and will facilitate connections between renewable energy projects to the national grid. Phase 1 of the project will connect three wind energy facilities – totaling 420 MW – to the grid while Phase 2 will connect two wind energy facilities and a solar project – totaling 520 MW – to the national grid. 

Each facility features a distribution network of 132 kV overhead lines and switching stations. The project was developed by a consortium led by EDF Renewables, which includes investment company H1 Holdings, engineering consulting company Gibb-Crede and a local community trust.