Dedisa Peaking Power in Port Elizabeth
AVENTURE of ENGIE 38% (France), black-owned Legend Power Solutions 27% (RSA), Mitsui & Co, Ltd 25% (Japan) and The Peaker Trust 10% (RSA) representing the local community has developed, constructed and operates the Dedisa Peaking Power plant in Coega, Eastern Cape. Since commercial operation of the project started in October 2015, the plant adds 335 MW power to the national transmission system.
Dedisa Peaking Power is South Africa’s first large independent power project originated by the Department of Energy, together with the 670 MW Avon Peaking Power in Shakaskraal, KwaZulu-Natal.
The power generated by this open cycle gas turbine power plants is sold to Eskom, under a Power Purchase Agreement over a 15-year term. The two peaking power plants, Avon and Dedisa Peaking Power contribute over a 1 000 MW of power to help with energy security in our country. The plant is of major importance for the economic development of the Coega Industrial Development Zone, where it is located.
CONSTRUCTION OF DEDISA PEAKING POWER
The construction of Dedisa Peaking Power started in September 2013 and created various local jobs with a peak of 1 400 workers on site reached in November 2014. The achievements of the project during construction, in terms of job creation, skills transfer and B-BBEE, exceeded the objectives agreed with the South African Government: 70% of total workforce employed to construct the facility was from the local black communities, with 57% black management, and in excess of 2.3% of payroll was spend on skills development.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Dedisa Peaking Power is committed to promote and support small B-BBEE businesses in proximity of the plant through enterprise and supplier development contributions. Through these contributions, the company wants to create opportunities for integrating marginalised South Africans in the mainstream economy.
Dedisa Peaking Power aims at economic prosperity, sustainable growth and employment.
The startup of Dedisa is instrumental in supporting South Africa’s industrial growth opportunity.
The plant is diesel fuel fired, for peak hours’ operation, with water injection for emissions control and with black start capability. The on-site fuel and water storage allow for 45 hours of full load operation.
The plant lay-out design allows for future conversion to combined cycle, gas-fired technology (CCGT) once gas is available for it in South Africa.
The plants provide much needed power and energy security during peak demand periods. They will equally benefit the socio-economic development of the communities surrounding each project.