The Drakensberg Pumped Storage Scheme was designed to generate electricity
for 10 hours with all 4 units per day, pump water back to the top dam for 9 hours
with all 4 units per day. A pumped storage scheme generates electricity during peak
hours, which is everyday when the demand of electricity rises. During the off-peak
periods Drakensberg will use its reversible turbines to pump the water back to the
upper reservoir, readying the system for peak periods.
The power station is also a joint venture between Eskom and the Department
of Water Affairs and Forestry (the Tugela-Vaal Scheme) in the transfer of water from
the Thukela River to the Vaal dam.
A special feature of the station is that it is constructed entirely
underground with only a dam wall, lift shaft buildings and transmission lines visible at the
surface. The four reversible pump turbines are situated 52 storeys below ground level.
Safety:
From 1999, Drakensberg has been awarded NOSCAR status by the National
Occupational Safety Association (NOSA) for the eighth time in a row in
2007.
Technical details:
- 4 x 250MW generating sets
- Installed capacity 1000 MW
- Nominal operating head of 450m
- Average availability over last 3 years: 93, 88%
- Average production over last 3 years: 2041 GWh
- Average import (pumping) over last 3 years: 2766 GWh
Visitors Centre details:
Tel: (036) 438-2088 or (036) 438-2089