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Eskom’s Two Open-Cycle Gas Turbine update
The construction of Eskom’s two open-cycle gas turbine (OCGT) power stations at Atlantis and at Mossel Bay in the Western Cape is progressing according to schedule. The two power stations are expected to operate by Winter of 2007, and are set to add an estimated 1 027 MW to the electricity supply capacity of the Cape. The OCGTs, supplied by Siemens, arrived at the Cape Town Harbour on 28 July. The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately R 3.5-billion.
Although the power stations will initially burn liquid fuel, their design enables the stations to convert to combined-cycle gas turbines using natural gas, should this become a reliable fuel source in South Africa in the future. A memorandum of understanding between Eskom and PetroSA had already been signed in this regard, making provision for the possibility of a future combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant should natural gas become available.
According to Eskom’s Brian Dames, Managing Director (Enterprises Division), there were a number of important factors to take into account when considering the best peaking generation technology to meet South Africa’s growing energy consumption needs. “Our decision to therefore develop OCGT power stations was influenced by factors such as international best practice; shorter lead- and construction times when compared to pumped storage schemes.” he said.
In addition to supplying much needed generation capacity in the Western Cape Province, the OCGT stations will play an important role in stabilising supply to the province by supporting the existing network.
“Support to the transmission network was, apart from ready access to fuel, the main reason for locating the two stations in the Cape. The Mossel Bay plant’s fuel will be supplied by PetroSA, while the Atlantis fuel supply contract still has to be finalised.
“The fuel will, however, be supplied by one of the major suppliers in the Cape Town area, and will either be piped, or transported by truck to the station,” he said.
According to Eskom’s Brian Dames, Managing Director (Enterprises Division), there were a number of important factors to take into account when considering the best peaking generation technology to meet South Africa’s growing energy consumption needs. “Our decision to therefore develop OCGT power stations was influenced by factors such as international best practice; shorter lead- and construction times when compared to pumped storage schemes.” he said.
In addition to supplying much needed generation capacity in the Western Cape Province, the OCGT stations will play an important role in stabilising supply to the province by supporting the existing network.
“Support to the transmission network was, apart from ready access to fuel, the main reason for locating the two stations in the Cape. The Mossel Bay plant’s fuel will be supplied by PetroSA, while the Atlantis fuel supply contract still has to be finalised.
“The fuel will, however, be supplied by one of the major suppliers in the Cape Town area, and will either be piped, or transported by truck to the station,” he said.
