EDF Renewables commissions South Africa’s first IPP-built substation
EDF Renewables leads South Africa’s first IPP-built substation, connecting 1.5 GW of renewables and setting the stage for future grid-integrated clean energy.
Image for illustration purposes
South Africa, Noupoort: EDF Renewables, a subsidiary of Électricité de France (EDF) Group, has commissioned South Africa’s first main transmission substation built entirely by an independent power producer (IPP). Located near Noupoort in the Northern Cape, the Koruson 400 / 132 kV substation will enable the connection of 1.5 GW of renewable energy to the national grid.
Developed in collaboration with local BEE partners H1 Holdings, Gibb-Crede, and a community trust, the substation supports the Koruson 1 cluster – three wind farms with a combined 420 MW capacity, part of South Africa’s REIPPPP Round 5.
“This is the first greenfield substation in over seven years and the first fully self-built and commissioned by an IPP,” said Tshepo Tshivhasa, EDF Renewables’ Head of Grid Engineering.
The facility includes advanced Phase 6 protection, control, and automation systems, and integrates into an existing 400 kV transmission line, requiring upgrades for compliance.
Phase 2 will see Envusa Energy (EDF and Anglo American) connect another 520 MW of wind and solar from the Koruson 2 cluster through new distribution links with Eskom infrastructure.
“This landmark project sets a new precedent for IPP-driven grid infrastructure in South Africa,” said Tristan de Drouas, CEO of EDF Renewables.
Source: Intellinews
#EDF Renewables#energy transition#grid infrastructure#IPP#Koruson project#main transmission substation#renewable energy#solar power#South Africa#Tristan de Drouas#Tshepo Tshivhasa#wind power
