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