Author: PPD Team Date: 21/04/2025
EDF Renewables, a subsidiary of the French Électricité de France (EDF) Group, has commissioned the 400/132 kV Koruson main transmission substation (MTS) near Noupoort in South Africa’s Northern Cape. This is the first major transmission substation in the country to be developed entirely by an independent power producer (IPP).
The MTS connects 1.5 GW of renewable energy to the national grid and forms part of the Koruson 1 cluster, developed in partnership with H1 Holdings, Gibb-Crede, and a local community trust. This cluster includes three wind farms—Phezukomoya, San Kraal, and Coleskop—with a combined capacity of 420 MW under round 5 of South Africa’s renewable energy IPP procurement programme.
The substation integrates into an existing 400 kV transmission line and features advanced Phase 6 protection, control, and automation technologies. These were developed to meet national compliance and ensure operational reliability. Two 400 kV towers were replaced with new transposition towers as part of the integration.
According to Tshepo Tshivhasa, Head of Grid Engineering at EDF Renewables, this is the first greenfield transmission substation connected to the grid in over seven years, and the first self-build of its scale approved by the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA).
Phase 1 of energisation connects the 420 MW Koruson 1 wind facilities. Phase 2—led by Envusa Energy, a joint venture between Anglo American and EDF Renewables—will add 520 MW of wind and solar power. These will connect to Eskom’s grid through 132 kV overhead lines and switching stations under self-build agreements.
Carl Wlotzka, Senior Project Manager at EDF Renewables, noted the project required custom technical solutions due to its unique integration and scale. The effort, he said, sets a benchmark for private sector participation in grid infrastructure.
Tristan de Drouas, CEO of EDF Renewables, called the project a foundation for future self-build infrastructure in South Africa, with long-term benefits for grid stability and renewable energy growth.