South Africas 10-year Transmission Development Plan TDP has revealed major shortfalls in local manufacturing capacity for high-voltage transformers and other grid components.
This was highlighted during an industry engagement session led by Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and the National Transmission Company South Africa NTCSA.
Presenting the TDPs bill of quantities, NTCSA General Manager for Grid Planning and Development Jacob Machinjike said the plan sets out about 14 500 km of new transmission lines, requiring an average annual build rate of 1 500 km, peaking at 2 200 km. The quantities are there, he said. Its quite a lot of materials that are required.