PROPOSED NTCSA 2ND AURORA-JUNO 400KV POWERLINE AND ASSOCIATED SUBSTATION WORKS IN THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE

The National Transmission Company South Africa Limited SOC Ltd (NTCSA) plans to construct a 165 km long 2nd 400 kV powerline from the Aurora Substation to the Juno Substation in the Western Cape. The main objective of the 2nd Aurora-Juno 400 kV transmission line is to enhance the Saldanha Bay grid. This powerline forms part of the Western Grid and is scheduled for commissioning in 2031.
During the Environmental Screening Process for the proposed NTCSA 2nd Aurora-Juno 400 kV line (hereafter referred to as the proposed powerline), two alternative route corridors3km corridors were considered., and route. Throughout the assessment, the Land and Rights (L&R) division raised concerns regarding the acquisition of cultivated land, such as grape, potato, and maize farms. To address these concerns, the existing vacant servitude was recommended to be adjacent to the Aurora-Juno 1st 400 kV line. This approach minimises the impact on cultivated land and ensures that the powerline route is more environmentally and socially considerate. Consequently, Alternative 1 was preferred, as it runs parallel to the existing Aurora-Juno 400 kV line and falls within the Strategic Transmission Corridor. Following the Screening, the required 47m servitude within the approved corridor was established, of which over 90% of the necessary requisite servitude agreement had already been acquired.
The powerline is designed to facilitate the efficient and reliable transfer of electricity between substations, support economic growth, enhance energy security, and meet the rising demand for electricity in the region. The project is vital for providing a reliable transmission network to meet customer needs, support government initiatives, and uplift communities. The proposed project entails the following:
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Powerline: 1X 400kV, 165km Aurora-Juno Powerline
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Deviation: Proposed 1.8km deviation between towers 46 and 51
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Substation:
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Establish and equip 1 x 400 kV feeder bay at Aurora Substation; and
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Establish and equip 1 x 400 kV feeder bay at Juno Substation
The proposed powerline falls within the Strategic Transmission Corridors (STC) (Western corridors), and it triggers the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 as amended, listed activities as contained in Government Notice Regulations (GN R), GN R984, GNR 985 and associated standards. Considering the STC and associated Standards for the Development/Expansion of Power lines and substations within identified geographical Areas, the following was considered:
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100% of the powerline is located within the Strategic Transmission Corridor (STC),
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The screening tool report indicated highly and very highly environmentally sensitive themes along the proposed powerline servitude.
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Furthermore, the project servitude is 100% negotiated
As such, NTCSA is required to undertake a Basic Assessment (EIA) process and obtain an Environmental Authorisation (EA) in line with the requirements of the EIA Regulations of 2014 as amended, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) and associated EIA Regulations of 2014 as amended.

Subsequently, NTCSA appointed Nsovo Environmental Consulting to undertake the necessary authorisation and licensing processes to comply with the legislative requirements. The project proponent is the National Transmission Company South Africa, and the Competent Authority (CA) is the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE).