Eskom rope in transformer suppliers to help add power to the grid

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Eskom has announced the appointment of transformers suppliers for transmission development plan (TDP) to connect new generation capacity aligned renewed localisation approach. 

The power utility said the suppliers will compete for upcoming transformer contracts to unlock the and ensure access to reliable electricity transmission across the country.

In a statement, Eskom said over the next ten years, it is envisaged large-scale and various other sizes of transformers will be required for the infrastructure build rollout.

It further said the contracts are expected to be worth in the region of R7 billion over a period of four years.

“The aim is to connect 53GW of new generation capacity over the next ten years and to achieve this, innovative project delivery models and partnerships are being explored and implemented to drive accelerated delivery of the TDP, including a priority programme for strategic projects,” remarked Eskom’s managing director for transmission, Segomoco Scheepers.

According to Scheepers, an open tender enquiry was issued by the national transmission company of South Africa on March 14 last year.

Suppliers to supplement Eskom limited capacity

Five suppliers were successfully selected to manufacture the power transformers to supplement the limited available local supply capacity, he stated. 

“The current schedule requires a first batch of 26 large scale transformers to be delivered between 12 to 36 months from order placement to meet the urgent requirement to increase transmission capacity for customers as well as independent power producers in order to contribute to overall economic growth,” he added.

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Scheepers highlighted that the transformer contract includes a list of 34 transformers that form part of two priority programmes to accelerate the delivery of the transmission infrastructure.

He continued; “Firstly, 25 projects at existing substations will provide additional transformers to unlock 13 000 MW of new generation capacity. Secondly, 22 expedited transmission projects will unlock 24 000 MW of grid connection capacity.”