Interested parties have until 5 December to make a prequalification submission for the Braamhoek Pumped Storage Scheme (BPSS) on the border between Free-State and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa that includes over 7,090m of tunnels and shafts and an underground powerhouse complex in excess of 124,800m3.
The final design of the scheme is currently underway and is scheduled for completion in January. The underground works contract for which prequalification is sought is one of the main and earlier contracts to be undertaken in the construction and is expected to take five years to complete.
The general underground scope includes two 6.6m diameter headrace tunnels each 1,030m long; two 15m diameter surge shafts 130m long; two 5.1m diameter pressure tunnels 800m long, a 900m long access tunnel; and one 9.4m diameter tailrace tunnel 2,450m long. There is also extensive intake and outtake canals and waterways.
The underground powerhouse complex consists of a 180m x 23m x 20m machine hall; a 175m x 15m x 16m transformer hall. The powerhouse scope also includes four turbine and generator pits; four busbar tunnels between machine and transformer halls; drainage tunnels and shaft; construction adits and cable and pipe galleries.
The prequalification stipulates a South African company, although a JV or consortium is permissible. The results of the prequalification process will be informed to applicants within eight weeks of the closing date. Further information is available by email from edwin.mathibe@eskom.co.za
