Eskom’s Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme has brought Unit 1 into commercial operation thus effectively pumping close to a 1000 MW into the South African power grid. 

This is the third out of four units to come online, each contributing 333 MW each to the gird. The commercial operation of these three units marks a key milestone towards the full commercial operation of the entire Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme ahead of the scheduled deadline of mid-2017.

“The commercial operation of Unit 1 is further proof that we are well on our way to ensure security of power supply to South African homes and businesses. I am truly excited that we are on track to deliver on our commitment to bring all New Build projects on line timeously,” says Eskom’s Group Chief Executive Brian Molefe.

The remaining unit (Unit 3) has already been synchronised to the national grid and is currently undergoing repairs after experiencing problems during the testing phase. The unit is on track for commercial operation during the first half of 2017.

Once completed, all four units of the Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme will produce a total of 1 332 MW. Upon completion Ingula will be Africa’s newest and largest pumped storage scheme, and the 14th largest in the world.

Eskom Ingula’s four units are located 350 m underground in the world’s largest machine hall in mud-rock. To turn the more than 500 ton rotating mass of the Generator Rotor and Turbine, water is released from Ingula’s upper dam, Bedford Dam, situated 460 m higher and 2 km away.

Water flows at high speeds down to the turbines at around 60 km/h with enough water passing through each turbine to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in six seconds.

Rotating at 428 rpm, each unit will produce 333MW, a total for the station of 1 332MW.  On completion of all 4 units, Ingula will be part of Eskom’s Peaking fleet of power stations. It can respond to demand increases on the National Grid within two-and-a-half minutes.