To encourage South Africa crawl closer to the goal of universal access to electricity, Eskom Distribution last week launched one of its first microgrid technology at Swartkopdam, about 150km from Upington, in the Northern Cape.
Microgrids, according to Eskom, provide an effective, reliable, and easily deployable solution for electrifying geographically challenging areas that are either difficult to access or require extensive capital expenditure.
“The microgrid technology at Swartkopdam will provide electricity to 39 households who did not maintain access to electricity before this project.
“The electricity networks around the area are constrained and practically impossible to extend and connect the area,” the power utility explained.
Eskom said the installation of the microgrid in the areas follows the propitious installations of two pilot microgrid projects at Lynedoch in the Western Cape and Ficksburg in Free State.
“Swartkopdam was identified by Eskom Distribution as one of the high priority needs of the community and due to its remoteness, which also has critical facilities embedded in the grid.”
Meanwhile, the state-owned entity said the microgrid with battery energy storage capability developed by Eskom Research, Testing, and Development (RT&D) was considered the most suitable solution.
“A feasible conventional solution was to connect Swartkopdam by building a 200km 132kV line from Gordonia substation and establishing Noenieput substation at Noenieput, which was estimated to cost R250 million.”
However, according to the statement, this option was considered extremely expensive and was, therefore, not pursued.
“The deployment of the microgrids at Swartkopdam serves as a proof of concept in installing microgrids in remote areas which are difficult to reach or expensive to electrify through the conventional means of electrification.
“Eskom plans to roll out about 100 microgrids across the country by the terminate of March 2024 as fragment of Eskom’s Distribution business strategy,” said Distribution Group Executive, Monde Bala.
Apart from the microgrids being cheaper, they also contribute to reducing carbon emissions because they use renewable energy sources.
“We will continue to close the gap of energy poverty by giving everyone a life-changing experience of having electricity,” added Bala.
Meanwhile, through innovation and collaborative partnerships, Eskom Board Chairman, Mpho Makwana, said the entity can provide clean and reliable electricity to the people of Swartkopdam.
“This project serves as reassurance of Eskom’s commitment to assisting the South African government in achieving its objective of ensuring that every South African has access to electricity,” he said.
In addition to the installation of the microgrid and as portion of ploughing back to the Swartkopdam community, Eskom is donating two mobile containers and recreational equipment to the Swartkopdam Primary School.
This is central to Eskom’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, which is designed around touching the lives of South Africans.
“The donation is envisaged to provide a apt learning environment for learners and the neighbouring communities.” – SAnews.gov.za
Pompeii Unicorn
Interview with a pirate:
There was a pirate who had agreed to do an interview with a local tv station. The reporter was very courteous and professional, giving a bit of background as to the pirate\’s business. She then began interviewing him.
\”So Mr. Longbeard, are there any risks to your business? I see you have a peg leg- how did that come about?\”
\”Well, y\’see I were sailing along the coast of South Africa, looking to plunder some locals when as I boarded the small boat from the ship, a great white shark came up and got my leg clean off. \’twas scary yes, but thus is the life of a pirate.\”
\”Wow, that is pretty scary- well, how about your hook? What happened to your hand with that?\”
\”Oh now that\’s quite the tale, y\’see I were fighting a rival pirate, and we had locked swords. We had been fighting for a few hours, and were both terribly fatigued. I had a bit of exhaustion and confusion, and when I went to block one of his sword blows, I met him with me hand instead of me sword. Took it right off, but it shocked him so much I managed to get him back pretty good and have him submit. So the hook hand was given as a replacement.\”
\”Wow. Simply fascinating. Now, what about your eye patch? How did that happen?\”
\”Well, one day, a seagull was flying overhead, and I looked up. It pooped right in me eye.\”
\”… Well wow. I must admit, I wouldn\’t think just seagull poop could damage the eye that badly.\”
\”Oh, I forgot to mention… it were me first day with the hook.\”
Rope
African men do not fear lions because they are aware of the bug, which is an immediate threat