Stortemelk Hydropower

An award-winning small hydropower project in the Free State, South Africa, delivering clean energy to approximately 3,000 homes.

Client

Stortemelk Hydro (Pty) Ltd / Renewable Energy Holdings (Pty) Ltd (REH)

Project date

Completed 2016

The Stortemelk hydropower project was the first under the South African REIPP programme to use an EPCM contractual structure within a project finance model. Zutari provided EPCM services for the single 4.4 MW vertical Kaplan turbine, as well as a range of multidisciplinary engineering services.

The opportunity

The project formed part of a feasibility study for three hydro projects on the Ash River, including Botterkloof and Merino II. The turbine installation at Botterkloof Dam required the construction of a power station between two existing dams without affecting their operations or stability. The work involved deep excavations through the dam embankments to accommodate the intake, penstock, and power station.

What we did

Zutari was appointed EPCM contractor, responsible for detailed design, construction supervision, contract administration, ECO monitoring, programming, and health and safety oversight. Our multidisciplinary team provided all services in-house, ensuring confidence among stakeholders, including lenders and international investors, that an EPCM approach was the most suitable solution.

We implemented innovative, cost-effective design solutions, including a compact single vertical double-regulated Kaplan turbine with an optimised penstock route to protect existing structures. Our support enabled REH to obtain all necessary approvals, reach financial close, and begin construction in September 2014. The project was completed on time and commissioned in June 2016 without exceeding the contingency budget.

The Stortemelk Hydropower plant operates fully automated, supplying electricity to around 3,000 homes with a small on-site team.

The outcome

The project delivered renewable energy reliably, contributed to local employment and procurement, and won multiple awards, including:

2017 Award for Architecture from the South African Institute of Architects (Free State Region)

Commendation from Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA)

2017 Small-Scale Sustainable Energy Project Award from Africa Utility Week

Best Project 2018 with a special mention in the Innovation Category by Construction World

Zutari continues to support REH with further feasibility studies for projects in Zambia and a downstream development on the Ash River, ready for construction.

The Stortemelk Hydropower project demonstrates how innovative engineering, careful planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration can deliver sustainable energy, local economic benefits, and internationally recognised project excellence.

The Zutari team understands the context of small hydro and private project development, allowing for clear management of complex regulatory processes and efficient risk allocation.

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Stortemelk Hydropower

Client

Project date

The opportunity

What we did

The outcome

Related projects

The Docklands

Olifants River Bridge

St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

144 Oxford Road

Want to see more?

Want to see more?

Want to
see more?

Want to
see more?