Eskom 400kV and 765kV

Tower Guide

September 2013

Notes:
All towers developed by Eskom unless otherwise stated.
Typical cost can vary depending on the attachment height and resulting leg exten-
sions.
The number of conductors per phase varies with the loading of the power line and is
shown in the table below:

Voltage (kV) Number of Conductors per Phase

400 2-4
765 6

Servitude drawings are not to scale.

Cost of steel, including assembly and erection, was approximated at R28000 per ton
in 2013 Rands.
2
Notes on drawings:

All fences should be outside the servitude. If this is not possible, consult with LES.

If the fence is running parallel, and even inside the servitude for less than a complete
span, then this is deemed to be acceptable.

Engineering team must be consulted on pipelines, houses and other encroachments

within, and close to the servitude.

Towers are shown from the top view with solid lines illustrating tower bases, guy
wires and cross ropes, and dotted lines illustrating the top part of the tower structure.
3

4
 5

Servitude requirements for a 518H: 400kV self-supporting suspension tower

Fence

Recommended
distance to
fence: 40m
Width:
23.4m

Centre Line
Servitude Footprint
55m 8.95x8.95m

6
 518H: Self - Supporting Suspension Tower
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m*
Developed: 1988 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: R291 600 Max Ground Slope: 45
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
V-V-V (Horizontal) Quad Zebra

This tower will be used instead of the 529A,C when there are
space, slope or loading constraints.

*If 55m servitude not feasable , contact LES team.

Mainly for 3 x Bersfort and 4 x Tern, can take large

earthwire (also has sugar cane structures). 7

Servitude requirements for a 517A: 400kV self-support suspension tower

Fence

Width Recommended
22.4m distance to
fence: 40m
Servitude Footprint
55m 8.2x8.2m

8
 517A: Self - Supporting Suspension Tower
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m*
Developed: 1985 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: R238 000 Max Slope: 45
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
V-V-V (Horizontal) Twin Dino

The 517A is an Eskom designed self supporting suspension

and is the successor to the 506A designed by Powerlines
(Babcock).
*If 55m servitude not feasible, contact LES team.
Mainly for 3 x Tern, for higher fault currents (may need
sugar cane structure).
9

Servitude requirements for a 515H: 400kV self-supporting suspension tower

Fence

Recommended
distance to
Width:
19.8m

fence: 40m
Servitude Footprint
55m 8.8x8.8m

10
 515H: Self - Supporting Suspension Tower
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m*
Developed: 1983 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: R290 000 Max Ground Slope: 45
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
I-V-I (Horizontal) Quad Wolf

The 515 H tower has an IVI insulator configuration. This con-

figuration was developed due to a reduction in cost of the
structure depending on various aspects. This structure was
used on the Beta Delphi 1 line.
*If 55m servitude not feasible, contact LES team
Mainly for 3 x kingbird or light configurations.
11

Servitude requirements for a 510A: 400kV self-support suspension tower

Fence

Width Recommended
18.0m distance to
fence: 40m
Servitude Footprint
55m 7.7x7.7m

12
 510A: Self - Supporting Suspension Tower
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m
Developed: 1976 Max Wind Span: 500m
Cost: N/A Max Slope: 45
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
I-V-I (Horizontal) Twin Dinosaur

This structure is currently the second most common structure

in the Eskom network. It was designed by Powerlines
(Babcock). It is replaced by the 517A and 518H.

13

Servitude requirements for a 506A: 400kV self-support suspension tower

Fence

Width Recommended
16.6m distance to
fence: 40m
Servitude Footprint
55m 7.8x7.8m

14
 506A: Self - Supporting Suspension Tower
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m
Developed: 1974 Max Wind Span: 500m
Cost: N/A Max Slope: 45
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
V-V-V (Horizontal) Twin Dinosaur

This structure is typical of most single circuit structures in use

at that time, having been developed to support Eskoms intro-
duction of 400kV lines to the national grid. The use of V-string
assembly allows for compaction of phase spacing, which in
turn results in both structural and electrical efficiency.

15

Servitude requirements for a 501A: 400kV self-supporting suspension tower

Fence

Recommended
distance to
Width:
18.8m

fence: 40m
Servitude Footprint
55m 7.8x7.8m

16
 501A: Self - Supporting Suspension Tower
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m
Developed: 1971 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: N/A Max Ground Slope: 45
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
I-V-I (Horizontal) Twin Dino

This tower is currently the most common tower structure in the

Eskom Network. It was designed by Powerlines (Babcock).
It is not used anymore and is replaced by the 517A or
518H structure.

17

18
Servitude requirements for a 517E: 400kV self-supporting strain tower

Fence

Width Recommended
21.4m distance to
fence: 40m
Servitude Footprint
55m 9.1m x 9.1m

19

517 E and F: Self - Supporting Strain tower

Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m
Developed: 1985 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: R440 000 Max Ground Slope: 45

Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:

Strain (Horizontal) Twin Dino
This tower was developed by Eskom. This tower is used to
make bends in the line, between 10 and 60 and it can also be
used as a 0 terminal tower.
Strain towers are considerably more expensive than
their Self Supporting suspension counterparts.

Mainly for 3 x Tern, for higher fault currents (may need

20
sugar cane structure).

Servitude requirements for a 515E: 400kV self-supporting strain tower

Fence

Width Recommended
24.7m distance to
fence: 40m
Servitude Footprint
55m 10.5x 10.5m

21

515 C,D,E and F: Self - Supporting Strain tower

Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m
Developed: 1986 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: R520 000 Max Ground Slope: 45

Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:

Strain (Horizontal) Quad Wolf
This tower was developed by Eskom. This tower is used to
make bends in the line, between 10 and 60 and it can also be
used as a 0 terminal tower.
Strain towers are considerably more expensive than
their Self Supporting suspension counterparts.

Mainly for 3 x kingbird or light configurations.

22
 23

Servitude requirements for a 529A: 400kV cross-rope suspension tower

Fence
Length 46.6 m
Recommended
distance to
fence: 40m
Width:
74.6m

28 m Centre Line
Servitude
55m

24
 529A - Standard Cross-Rope suspension
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m (74.6m
at tower location)
Developed: 2004 Max Wind Span: 560m
Typical Cost: R105 000 Max Ground Slope: 15
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
I-I-I (Delta) Triple Term

This design utilizes optimal guyed mast design, making it lighter and
more efficient.
Cost effective, high performance tower.
Typical Cost can vary between R80 000 and R125 000, depending
on the attachment height.
Midspan clearance to ground, 8.1m or higher.
Narrow phase spacing, used at low altitudes. 25

Servitude requirements for a 529C: 400kV cross-rope suspension tower

Fence
Length 46.6 m
Recommended
distance to
fence: 40m
Width:
81.6m

35 m Centre Line
Servitude
55m

26
 529C - Standard Cross-Rope suspension
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m (81.6m
at tower location)
Developed: 2004 Max Wind Span: 560m
Typical Cost: R105 000 Max Ground Slope: 15
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
I-I-I (Delta) Triple Tern

This tower is used at higher altitudes due to its broad phase spacing to
improve Corona and Noise performance.
Midspan clearance to ground, 8.1m or higher.
Broad phase spacing, used at altitudes 1800m or higher.
Small Cost Increase due to bigger servitude used at tower footprint
and more towers used on line due to lower CAH.

27

Servitude requirements for a 528A: 400kV cross-rope suspension tower

Fence
Length 47.4 m

Recommended
distance to
Width:
59.8m

20 m fence: 40m

Servitude
55m

28
 528A: Insulated Cross-rope Suspension
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m (59.8m
at tower location)
Developed: 2002 Max Wind Span: 550m
Typical Cost: R140 000 Max Ground Slope: 15
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
I-V-I (Inverted Delta) Quad Tern

This structure is a improvement on the 525A Compact Cross

-rope Structure. It uses taller masts to increase the range of
attachment heights, and allows for longer spans. The Insu-
lated Suspension assembly was also modified by removing
the floating point.
29

Servitude requirements for a 525A: 400kV compact cross-rope suspension tower

Fence

Length: 29.8 m

Recommended
distance to
fence: 40m
Width:
48.8m

19 m
Servitude
55m

30
 525A: Compact Cross-rope Suspension
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m
Developed: 1997 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: R106 400 Max Ground Slope: 15
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
I-I-I (Inverted Delta) Triple Bersfort
The compact cross-rope tower concept was modified from
the 524A in a unique design which introduces an inverted
delta configuration, in which all phases are approximately
equally spaced.

This configuration results in:

Greater electrical efficiency over long distance lines.
31

Servitude requirements for a 524A: 400kV cross-rope suspension tower

Fence
Length 41.6 m
Recommended
distance to
fence: 40m
70.6 m
Width:

29 m
Servitude
55m

32
 524A: Cross-rope Suspension
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m (70.6m
at tower location)
Developed: 1994 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: R108 000 Max Ground Slope: 15
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
I-I-I (Delta) Triple Bersfort

The 524A was the first cross-rope tower to be developed in

SA. This concept embodies a highly efficient solution for High
Voltage structures. This design results in cost savings in
the order of 50% per tower, compared to its self-supporting
alternatives.
This tower is now obsolete and has been surpassed by
the 529A. 33

34
 Servitude requirements for a 520B: 400kV guyed-V tower
Fence

Length 40.6 m

Recommended
distance to

Width:
28.6m
23.4 m fence: 40m

Servitude
55m

35

520B: Guyed-V suspension Tower

Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m
Developed: 1988 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: R200 000 Max Ground Slope: 15
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
V-V-V (Horizontal) Quad Zebra

The Guyed-V tower has one mast foundation and four guy
foundations.
Designed to carry heavier conductors than the 515B.
Guys are within the servitude on this tower.
Good to use where space is limited.
Costs less than the 518H.
36
 Servitude requirements for a 515B: 400kV guyed-V suspension tower
Fence

Length 40.8 m

Recommended
distance to

Width:
26.8m
19.8 m fence: 40m

Servitude
55m

37

515B: Guyed-V suspension Tower

Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m
Developed: 1986 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: R134 400 Max Ground Slope: 15
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
I-V-I (Horizontal) Quad Wolf

The Guyed-V tower has one mast foundation and four guy
foundations.
Tower beam helps with the live line maintenance.
Guys are within the servitude on this tower.
Good to use where space is limited.
Replaced by 520B. 38
 39

Servitude requirements for a 540A: 400kV multi circuit suspension tower

Fence

Recommended
distance to
fence: 40m
Width:
28.7m

Centre Line
Servitude Footprint
35m 14.8x14.8m
(narrow)

40
 540 Series: Multi Suspension Tower
This structure is currently being developed by Eskom (LES) and Joyti Engineer-
ing. The 540 Series is capable of carrying 2x400kV (designed for 500kV) as well
as 2x 132kV lines. Designed to be used in narrow servitudes, the 540D can be
used in servitudes of only 35m.
Designed for quad tern conductors.
Tall expensive tower, used where servitude costs are at a premium.

Tower Tower Line Wind Weight Cost

Code Description angle (in Span (Tons) (Rands)
deg.)
540A Suspension 0 400m 48.9 R1.37mil
540B Angle Strain 0-20 500m 98 R2.74mil
540C Angle Strain, 20-60, 0 500m 136.7 R3.83mil
terminal terminal 350m
540D Narrow servi- 0 400m TBD TBD
tude
suspension
41

Servitude requirements for a 531A: 400kV steel pole suspension

Fence

Width Recommended
Diameter
8.7m distance to
1.5m
fence: 40m
Servitude
40m

42
 531A: Steel pole Suspension
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 40m

Developed: 2007 Max Wind Span: 300m

Typical Cost: R252 000 Max Ground Slope: Un-

restricted
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
V-V-V (Delta) Triple Kingbird

This was an Eskom developed tower for use in the Palmiet

Stikland line. The tower comprises of several galvanized
steel shafts joined together and assembled on the ground.
Ideally suited to urban areas where servitude is
limited. 43

Servitude requirements for a 530A: 400kV single mast guyed suspension tower

Fence
Length: 44.5 m

Recommended
Width
36.5m distance to
17 m fence: 40m
Servitude
40m

44
 530A: Single Mast Guyed Suspension tower
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 40m
Developed: 2004 Average Span: 400m
Typical Cost: R160 400 Max Ground Slope: 15
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
V-V-V (Delta) Triple Kingbird

This compact solution was developed by Eskom, to be used

on the Palmiet-Stikland line, due to servitude restrictions.

45

Servitude requirements for a 527B: 400kV guyed multi-circuit suspension tower

Fence
Length 30.2 m

Width Recommended
30.2m distance to
fence: 40m
14 m
Servitude
55m

46
 527B: Single mast Guyed Multi-circuit
Suspension Tower
Voltage: 400/132kV Servitude: 55m
Developed: 1997 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: R233 800 Max Ground Slope: 15
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
400kV: V-V-V (Delta) 400kV: Triple Kingbird
132kV: V-I-I (Horizontal) 132kV: Single Kingbird

This tower holds both one 400kV and one 132KV lines, there-
by reducing the need for parallel lines and large servitude
widths, whilst power transfer is not compromised. Eskom de-
veloped and used this tower on the Ariadne Eros line.
47

Servitude requirements for a 513A: 400kV self-support suspension tower

Fence

Width Recommended
16m distance to
fence: 40m
Servitude Footprint
55m 8.6x8.6m

48
513A: Double Circuit Self - Supporting Suspension
Voltage: 400kV Servitude: 55m
Developed: 1978 Max Wind Span: 300m

Typical Cost: R322 000 Max Ground Slope: 45

Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
V-V-V (Vertical) Twin Dinosaur

This tower was developed by Powerlines (Babcock). The

double circuit tower was developed to reduce servitude
needed by two lines running in parallel.
The 523A tower (developed by Transdeco) can be used
for the same applications.
49

50
 Emergency Response to Line Failures
Response Condition Action Strategic Spare
Level Required
Minor/Major Loss Restore power ASAP, Lifting Bridge
of Supply irrespective of cost.
Level 1 Loss of Substation
Islanded
Loss of Grid

Forced System Build a bypass around ERS (Emergency

Alert Outages the affected area, allow- Restoration System)
Level 2 Planned Outage ing permanent structures Tower
with Risk of Loss of to be restored using
Grid conventional methods.

Forced Outages Restore the permanent 528C, 529A towers,

Calculated Risk structure by using fast with insulators, hard-
Level 3
track methods. ware and grillage
foundations

Forced Outages no Restore the permanent Nil. (All material to be

Level 4 Calculated Risk structure using conven- procured prior to
tional methods. repair
51

52
 53

Servitude requirements for a 701C: self-supporting suspension

Fence

Recommended
distance to
44.35m
Width:

fence: 55m
Servitude Footprint
80m 11.625x11.625m

54
 701C: Self-Supporting Suspension
Voltage: 765kV Servitude: 80m
Developed: 1984 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: R710 000 Max Ground Slope: 45
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
V-V-V (Horizontal) Six Tern

This self-supporting suspension tower is used in conjunction

with the Guyed-V 702B and 703B towers, when the Guyed-
Vs cannot be used.

55

Servitude requirements for a 701F: self-supporting strain

Fence

Recommended
distance to
44.35m
Width:

fence: 55m
Servitude Footprint
80m 16x16m

56
 701 D,E and F: Self-Supporting Strain
Voltage: 765kV Servitude: 80m
Developed: 1984 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: Max Ground Slope: 45
R1 316 000-1 498 000

Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:

Strain (Horizontal) Six Tern

The 701F Self-Supporting Strain is the 15-35 angl e strain

tower commonly used on the 765 kV networks.

Strain towers are considerably more expensive

than their Self Supporting suspension counter-
parts. 57

58
 Servitude requirements for a 702B: 765kV guyed-V tower

Fence
Length 53.5 m

Width
39.5m Recommended
distance to
43.6 m fence: 55m

Servitude
80m

59

702B: Guyed-V Suspension

Voltage: 765kV Servitude: 80m
Developed: 1985 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: R434 000 Max Ground Slope: 15
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
V-V-V (Horizontal) Six Tern
Eskoms 765kV first implementation of Guyed-V towers.
This type of tower is used for altitudes between 1000 and
1200 meters. There is a 702B-M (modified) for altitudes
above 1500m.

60
 Servitude requirements for a 703B: 765kV guyed-V tower
Fence

Length 52.6 m

Recommended
distance to

Width:
36.8m
36.6 m fence: 55m

Servitude
80m

61

703B: Guyed-V Suspension

Voltage: 765kV Servitude: 80m
Developed: 1991 Max Wind Span: 500m
Typical Cost: R476 000 Max Ground Slope: 15
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
V-V-V (Horizontal) Six Tern

The 703B is an alternative to the 702B to be used at alti-

tudes below 1000m. It also has a more compact phase
spacing than the 702B.

62
 63

Servitude requirements for a 705C: 765kV cross-rope suspension tower

Fence
Length:43.1m
Recommended
distance to
fence: 40m
Width:
99.5m

60m Centre Line

Servitude
80m

64
 705C: Cross Rope Suspension
Voltage: 765kV Servitude: 80m
Developed: 2012 Max Wind Span: 465m
Typical Cost: R250 000 Max Ground Slope: 15
Insulator Configuration: Optimal Conductor:
I-I-I (Semi-Delta) Six Tern

The 705A is to be a high performance, cost saving tower to

be used on the 765kV network.

Cross Rope towers are slightly less expensive

than Guyed-V towers and considerably less ex-
pensive than its Self-Supporting counterparts.
65

66
Older Common Towers in the Eskom Network (Replaced by newer towers)

67

Wind Turbine Clearances

Clearance from servitude should be minimum of 3

times the total height of the wind turbine.

68
 Minimum live-line
Minimum vertical clearance
clearances
Highest System Safety Safety m
m
system nominal clearance clearance
r.m.s. r.m.s. phase-to- phase-to- Roads in To communi-
voltage voltage earth phase Outside In townships, and cation lines or To buildings poles Phase-
Phase-
kV kV m m town- town- proclaimed between and structures, not to-
to-earth
ships ships roads, railways, power lines part of power lines phase
tramways and cradles
24 22 0,32 0,4 5,2 5,5 6,4 0,9 3,0 - -

36 33 0,43 0,5 5,3 5,5 6,5 1,0 3,0 - -

48 44 0,54 0,61 5,4 5,5 6,6 1,1 3,0 0,8 1,1

72 66 0,77 0,89 5,7 5,7 6,9 1,4 3,2 0,9 1,3

100 88 1,00 1,14 5,9 5,9 7,1 1,6 3,4 1,0 1,5
145 132 1,45 1,68 6,3 6,3 7,5 2,0 3,8 1,2 1,9
245 220 2,1 2,7 7,0 7,0 8,2 2,7 4,5 1,7 2,8

300 275 2,5 3,6 7,4 7,4 8,6 3,1 4,9 2,0 3,4
362 330 2,9 4,3 7,8 7,8 9,0 3,5 5,3 2,3 4,1
420 400 3,2 4,8 8,1 8,1 9,3 3,8 5,6 2,8 4,8
800 765 5,5 8,9 10,4 10,4 11,6 6,1 8,5 5,5 9,7
d.c.
533 kV - 3,7 - 8,6 8,6 9,8 4,3 6,1
(1)

Minimum clearances as per SABS 10280 and the OHS Act Safety clearance phase-to-earth 69

Contact Details:
For any queries, additional information, or to report a mistake, the following persons
can be contacted:

Ruaan Nel (Email: [email protected])

Riaz Vajeth (Email: [email protected])

Emile Peters (Email: [email protected])

Published: September 2013

70
SUMMARY NOTES OF MEETING BETWEEN ESKOM & KIPOWER

Date: 01 April 2015

Venue: Connect Boardroom, Eskom MWP

Present:

# Full Names Role Company

1 Charmaine Masehela GAU Senior IPP Executive Eskom GAU

2 Makoanyane Theku Chief Engineer Grid Planning Eskom Grid Planning

3 John Geeringh Senior Consultant Environment GC: Land Development

Management
4 Gregory Hearl Project Manager KiPower (Black&Veatch)

5 Robert Wood Project Development KiPower (Black&Veatch)

6 Marius van Zyl Environmental Management Jones & Wagener

7 Mpumelelo Saliwa Engineer KiPower (Kuyasa Mining)

Apologies: Ms Nthabiseng Lukhozi (Eskom GAU)

1. Technical discussions noted:

1.1 KiPower applied for 600 MW power plant and the project construction is envisaged to
commence in 2016.
1.2 The CEL will be issued to the customer by end of business of 01 April 2015 after approval.
1.3 The CEL quote includes two options; Eskom Build or Self-Build.
1.4 The validity of the CEL is 12 months. The Maximum Export Capacity of the Facility will be
600MW at a voltage level of 400kV.
1.5 The customer shall provide the relevant protection, synchronisation and control equipment at the
KiPower facility which is compatible with the protection standard as required by Eskom this is
included in the Standard for the Interconnection of Embedded Generation to be issued with the
CEL.
1.6 This Cost Estimate Letter is based on the information provided by the customer and assumes that
the Facility will be the only one connected to the Transmission(Tx) System in the area.
1.7 The recommended least cost integration option determined by the technical analysis and
economical evaluation based on the Grid Code and the customers request is to establish a 400
kV substation at KiPower fed by looping in and out of the existing Matla-Glockner 400 kV line.
1.8 The Matla-Glockner line 1 is approximately 24km from the KiPower Power Station.
1.9 The Loop in/out gives KiPower the advantage of evacuate power through the other line if one line
is down.
1.20 The revised proposed connection diagram for KiPower was presented and discussed and also
mentioned was the construction of 2x24 km 400 kV lines to loop-in/out of Matla-Glockner 400
kV line as part of the Eskom connection works.

1
1.21 The customer desired to know why Matla-Glockner connection point was considered the best
option instead of the Transmission line perceived to be closer to the KiPower plant. Eskom
responded that the network studies are based on current network developments and do not
consider planned infrastructure as this could have major impact on the planned plant if Eskom is
unable to raise money to build that line in time. Also the least cost option is the one considered
for such connection.
1.22 The customer enquired how the least cost option is determined, and Eskom responded that this
is executed through the Network studies, Grid Code compliance and looking into different
options and taking into consideration their respective likely life cycle Transmission line costs. The
customer then requested privy to costs of other connections options evaluated, Eskom agreed to
respond to the customer in due course.
1.23 The CEL costs are at high-level and will be a bit detailed at Budget Quote phase though they
would not specify each item cost but will state the costs as follows i.e. cost of the Tx line, cost of
substation etc.
2 Environmental issues discussed:
2.1 The customer is responsible for the environmental authorization on their land and should ensure
that it is not undermined.
2.2 John advised that he will assist the customer with their EIA application and also give guidance
where needed.
2.3 Eskom Technical design and surveyors may be involved if requested. The customer to set-up a
meeting.
2.4 John showed servitudes around KiPower plant and different Transmission tower types/designs
were discussed at length.
2.5 Eskom will provide technical designs and specifications to the customer if they opt for self- build
option.
2.6 EIA timeframe could be between 18-24months however if the scope of work is done properly it
could lessen the time frame.
2.7 John advised the customer to perhaps set-up a meeting with Department of Environment Affairs
(DEA) and present their plans and proposal and get their inputs ahead of the submission of their
application and then follow the DEA process.
2.8 The customer to engage further with John regarding their EIA matters.

End////

N.B. Below is the Eskom response to point 1.22

2
Transmission Grid Planning uses the Economic Life Cycle Costing Model to determine which option
to implement when integrating power stations. The main inputs into the model are the project capital
costs and total system losses before and after integration. Total system losses are a function of the
generation despatch assumed in the year of study and reinforcement plans tabled in the Transmission
Development Plans for the various Eskom Operating Units.

Below are extracts from the South African Grid Code showing the planning process and the cost
reduction criteria.

Planning process

1. The NTC (Transmission Company business unit within Eskom designated with responsibility for owning, operating
and maintaining the Transmission System) shall follow a planning process divided into major activities as
follows:

Identification of the problem

Formulation of alternative options to meet this need

Study of these options to ensure compliance with agreed technical limits and justifiable
reliability and quality of supply standards
Costing of these options on the basis of approved procedures

Determination of the preferred option

Building of a business case for the preferred option using the approved justification criteria

Request for approval of the preferred option and initiation of execution.

7.7.2 Cost reduction investments

(1) Proposed expenditure that is intended to reduce service providers costs (e.g. shunt capacitor
installations, telecommunication projects and equipment replacement that reduce costs, external
telephone service expenses and maintenance costs respectively) or the cost of losses or other
ancillary services should be evaluated in the following manner:

First, it is necessary to calculate the NPV of the proposed investment using the DCF methods.
This shall be done by considering all cost reductions (e.g. savings in system losses) as positive
cash flows, off-setting the required capital expenditure. Once again, sensitivity analysis with
respect to the amount of capital expenditure (estimated contingency amount), the AAICOG
(when appropriate) and future load growth scenarios is required. As before, a resulting positive
NPV indicates that the investment is justified over the expected life of the proposed new asset.

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 However, a positive NPV does not always indicate the optimal timing for the investment. For
this reason, the second portion of the cost reduction analysis is necessary ascertaining
whether the annual extra costs incurred by the service provider for owning (levelised) and
operating the proposed asset is less than all cost reductions resulting from the new asset in the
first year that it is in commission.

In the case of the KiPower 600 MW plant integration studies, a total of 8 possible options were
studied. The option to loop in and out of the existing Glockner-Matla 400 kV line was established to
be the least cost.
Please note that the South African Grid Code is accessible at the NERSA website should more
details be needed.