PEC7505 - Assessment of New Site Option for the Iphiva Substation

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd (Eskom) initiated the “Northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Strengthening Project” in 2017, aimed at alleviating existing and future network constraints in Northern KZN through “de-loading” the primary sub-transmission network and improving voltage regulation. Eskom intended to achieve this through the establishment and operation of two 400 kV powerlines, an additional 165 km of 135 kV distribution powerlines and a substation. Eskom appointed an independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in 2018 and thereafter received Environmental Authorisation (EA) to go ahead with the Project.
Following subsequent investigations, the authorised footprint for the Iphiva Substation has been deemed not financially viable due to the terrain and the cost of making this site suitable for the construction of the substation. Eskom is therefore assessing an additional footprint, potentially more suitable for construction (the Project). The substation must be close to the load centre and existing 132 kV powerline network. One 400 kV powerline and seven 132 kV powerlines will enter and leave the station. These lines will route in different ways, depending on the final location of the substation.