To build a pumped storage scheme you need a specific combination of factors to be just right, they are: the right geology, enough available water, two sites to build dams â€" close enough together, but with at least 400 metres difference in altitude, it needs to be close to the National Grid and close to existing infrastructure. Eskom started looking for such sites in the 1980s. Initially more than 90 potential sites were investigated, resulting in the short-listing of only three. The best site was selected 55 km from Ladysmith, spanning the escarpment of the Little Drakensberg, and straddling the provincial boundary of the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal.

This is also the continental watershed between the Vaal River catchment, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, and the Tugela River catchment, flowing into the Indian Ocean.

History Behind the Name Ingula

Initially known as ‘Braamhoek’, the name was officially changed to ‘Ingula’ in March 2007. The name ‘Ingula’ alludes to the creamy contents at the top of a milk calabash. The quest to find an appropriate name for Ingula Power Station was inspired by the mountains and foamy river-waters, and the rich cultural symbols and traditions of the indigenous people on both sides of the border.

The Scheme

The pumped storage scheme consists of an upper and a lower dam, each capable of holding approximately 22 million cubic metres of water. The dams, 4.6 km apart, are connected by underground waterways passing through a subterranean powerhouse with four 333 MW generators.

To generate electricity during times of peak demand, water is released from the upper dam, passing through the pump/turbines, into the lower dam.

During times of low energy demand, the pump/turbines are used to pump the water from the lower dam,  ack to the upper dam.

The Environment

Eskom has taken a decision to manage the area surrounding the dams and construction sites as a conservation area. This area, located in both the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, is of significant value as a source of water for the Highveld and serves as a habitat for a variety of plants, birds and animals. A team of full-time, professional environmentalists monitor all construction activities on site, ensuring all legal requirements are met and that the project operates within the terms of the government authorisation.

Conservation

Eight thousand hectares around the power station is close to being declared a nature reserve. With the cooperation of surrounding landowners, the Ingula Nature Reserve may form the core of a larger conservation area protecting the moist, high altitude grasslands of the eastern Free State and northern KwaZulu-Natal.

A partnership between Eskom, BirdLife South Africa (BLSA) and Middelpunt Wetland Trust (MWT) was launched in March 2004. The aim is to generate benefits at international, national, regional and local levels to offset any negative impacts of the construction and operation of the pumped storage scheme. This has been done by effectively managing the impacts of the scheme on the environment and projects related to the area.

More than 300 bird species have already been sighted at Ingula. One of these, the Wattled Crane, is among the three critically endangered birds in terms of regulations issued in the National Biodiversity Act.

The Bedford/Chatworth wetland is recognised by BirdLife South Africa as an ‘Important Birding Area’ (IBA).

The threatened oribi occurs on site, grey rhebok and steenbok are also present. Historically, the site was heavily utilised by livestock which resulted in large tracts of erosion. Livestock numbers have been reduced and eroded areas have been rehabilitated or stabilised. The area has been subjected to high
intensity poaching and illegal plant harvesting. Through the development of a protected area, it is hoped to increase numbers of animals on site and, in a secure environment, establish viable populations. A reduction in unsustainable activities will improve general conditions on site.

Wetlands

Wetlands on the property serve as a continual supply of water to the Wilge River and springs flow throughout the year. The wetland system is host to a variety of species and is in need of protection following years of overgrazing and inappropriate burning. The formal conservation of the Wilge River and associated wetlands will be explored in conjunction with the Free State Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs. Rehabilitation done in the past will be continued, thereby ensuring the sustainable functioning of the wetlands.

Grasslands

Grassland ecosystems are most in need of conservation in South Africa. The conservation of the Ingula area will go some way towards increasing grassland areas under protection.

The cooperation of landowners, through the development of a nature reserve, will ensure an improved environment and will help in the development of communities in the area, both from a social and economic perspective.

Rehabilitation

In addition to the wetlands, there are a variety of habitats on the property, including grassland slopes and mountain forests, with large numbers of plant species. Harvesting opportunities will be explored and, if appropriate, sustainable programmes implemented. Programmes to remove indigenous vegetation in the construction areas have been initiated. These plants will be used during rehabilitation and opportunities for propagation are being investigated.

Ecotourism

As part of the conservation programme, a network of walking and hiking trails will be developed and other ecotourism opportunities investigated and implemented. These include campsites, river trails, irding
and cycling. Marketing of the area may lead to an increased demand for accommodation, an opportunity for surrounding landowners.

Sustainability

The site aims to be an internationally renowned sustainable nature reserve and all activities on site are carried out with this long-term objective in mind. Because of the sophisticated Environmental Management Plan that governs all activities on site, Ingula was the first Eskom construction site to receive
ISO14001 certification in March 2011.

Ingula’s first unit began operating commercially on 10 June 2016

Visitors Centre

The Ingula Visitors Centre conducts tours of the construction site and conservation area on weekdays. Presentations can also be given off-site.

Booking in advance is essential.

Contact: Tel. 036-342-3236 or
036-342-3122
Email: ingulavisitorscentre@
eskom.co.za

For more information on Eskom related topics see the Eskom website (www.eskom.co.za).
Select the “About electricity” and â€œVisitors Centres”
(http://www.eskom.co.za/c/article/54/ingula-pumped-storage-scheme/)