Plans call for a single vertical Kaplan turbine to be installed at the Botterkloof Dam on the Ash River. Aurecon offered a compact solution for the turbine, optimising the short penstock route to avoid endangering the existing structures. The new hydropower plant has been developed by NuPlanet (a member of the REH group), which was also appointed to manage the project under a management service agreement.

 

“The Aurecon team understands the context of small hydro and private project development, which allows for clear management of the complex and highly regulated development process as well as efficient risk allocation during development and construction,” said Anton-Louis Oliver, NuPlanet managing director.

 

The power station has to be constructed between two existing dams without affecting their operations and stability. The construction will require deep excavations through the Botterkloof Dam embankment in between the Botterkloof Dam and Boston A Dam spillways.

 

According to Aurecon, this is the first time an EPCM contractual structure has been used under the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPP). 

 

The project will contribute to Dithlabeng (Bethlehem and Clarens) Municipality’s economy through local employment and procurement.

 

Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2016.