Global producer of hydropower solutions Voith has secured a contract from the South African energy supplier Eskom to modernise three generators of the South African pumped storage power plant Drakensberg.
Under the €11m contract, Voith will be responsible for manufacturing, installating, and commissioning.
Voith's hydro Germany generator expert and technical offer manager Martin Althoff said: “These measures ensure a reduction of operating temperature and machine vibrations so that their lifetime can be extended significantly. After the modernisation the generators will show at least 40 further years of operation.”
Drakensberg pumped storage power plant has an installed capacity of 1,000MW. Located underground, it is the second largest of its kind in South Africa.
The plant features four reversible pump turbines, which are placed approximately 52 floors below ground. Only shafts and transmission lines are visible on the surface.
Drakensberg power plant has been operational since 1981 and has significantly contributed towards energy grid stabilisation. It can quickly adjust to energy fluctuations and has the ability to store surplus energy.
The plant's flexibility has played an important role in maintaining grid stability, as well as supplying quality energy in South Africa.
Image: Voith to modernise generators of Drakensberg power plant. Photo: courtesy of Voith.
