Wayne Kitching

Introduction
SAs power generation is still dominated by Eskom

Mostly coal. DoEs IRP 2 sets targets for introduction of renewable generation.

Contents
Technical Challenges Unfamiliarity of local industry with RE Ability to evacuate the required amount of power Grid code compliance Compliance with Eskom/ Utility standards Health and safety Civil/Infrastructure Commercial Challenges PPA Bureaucracy and inefficiencies in supply authorities Overseas developers lack of understanding of SA

Lack of understanding of SA
Difficult to quantify, but: The large amounts of copper used in the collector network and earthing would be very attractive to thieves

Commercial challenges
PPA may not be to the developers advantage
Rates not nearly as high as some European feed-in

tariff rates makes it more difficult to make a profit. Reliance on Eskom and munics for building infrastructure will probably introduce delays.

Local industry not familiar with RE

Supply authorities not used to RE/embedded generators in their

network.
Lack of understanding may lead to misinterpretation of grid code

may lead to supply authorities constantly moving the goal posts,

Local suppliers may not have the correct cable and the ideal

lengths
MV cables only in rolls of 300 or 500 m (Wind). Local LV cables may not be suitable for solar applications need

cables that will withstand conditions including UV radiation.

As wind and solar farms need large amounts of cable, shortages

may occur when several projects are being constructed Cable manufacturers may not be able to keep up with demand when a number of RE projects are under construction

Grid code compliance

Grid code document for RE generators has not been

finalised yet although Wind Grid code has been approved

Some signed agreements may not comply with it as supply

authorities dont.

LVRT requirements in SA Wind Grid code stricter than

most countries codes many generators/inverters will probably not comply. WTG manufacturers wont supply models of their product When connecting using long lines (even short lines when using MV) Q and V requirements not met

Ability to evacuate the required amount of power

Most RE projects are in remote areas
Electrical network inadequate for evacuating the

required amount of power will need grid strengthening. In some cases it may mean long lines and large transformers, even though Eskoms TDP does take into account some RE project.

Compliance with Eskom/ Utility standards

For Eskom connections, the grid connection must

comply with Distribution Standard for the integration of Embedded Generators Has specific requirements about anti-islanding protection and other requirements for the PUC Cant therefore copy a design from another country without modifying, Other utilities probably dont have standards. NRS documents not finalised yet.

Health and safety

During construction, the nature of the projects are

likely to be unlike projects contractors have worked on before. Increases the risk of H&S incidents Operationally, extra sources are introduced into the grid greater risk of electrocution of maintenance personnel if proper isolating/earthing procedures arent in place or arent followed.

Civil/ Infrastructure/ constructability

In many RE sites, the access roads will need upgrade,

especially for wind farms

May not be able to take turbine blades and mast around

corners

Overseas, digging trenches and laying cable is done

with a machine. In SA, manual labour may need to be used.

Lack of understanding of SA situation

Wind/solar facilities use large amounts of copper for

earthing and the collector network. Major risk of theft. Cultural/ language differences may pose challenges when working with overseas developers.

Minimising the risk

Self-build the Eskom/Utility infrastructure