Serengeti Energy’s Boston Hydro project is on track to begin commercial operation by the third quarter of 2025. The 5MW run-of-river hydropower plant, located along the Ash River in South Africa, will be the largest of six hydropower plants in the area. This project is part of the broader water transfer scheme between Lesotho and Gauteng and will be Serengeti Energy’s fourth hydropower facility in the country.
The project, which is currently about 50% complete, has key industry partners, including Etana Energy and Growthpoint Properties, securing electricity purchases through a wheeling arrangement. The plant is expected to significantly contribute to South Africa’s renewable energy targets.
Construction efforts are proceeding as planned, with the focus now on preparing for the water outage of the Lesotho Highland Water Project (LHWP) scheduled from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. This outage will allow in-river construction, including the building of a diversion weir with a mass concrete spillway and earth embankment. The team is using a construction method involving precast elements to expedite the work and enhance safety.
Upcoming milestones for Boston Hydro
The powerhouse, which requires deep excavations and the installation of over 150 tons of hydroelectrical equipment, remains a critical focus. The installation of the double-regulated Kaplan turbine is expected to begin in early 2025, followed by the installation of a synchronous generator and dry-type transformer. Preparations for the hydro-mechanical gates are underway, with installations set to start in October 2024.
Boston Hydro benefits from Serengeti Energy’s experience with its previous hydropower plants, incorporating operational insights to improve plant availability and reduce maintenance needs.
