Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme, Free State

The proposed project will consist of the construction of two dams, one at the top and the other at the bottom of the escarpment, underground waterways, an underground powerhouse complex, access tunnels and access roads. The pumped storage scheme, which will have a capacity of 1 332MW, will use excess electricity to pump water in off-peak hours from the bottom dam to the top dam through the underground tunnels from where it will be released through the same tunnels and hydro turbines back into the bottom dam to generate electricity during periods of peak demand. It is situated within the Drakensberg mountain range on the border between Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. Project value: R16,6 billion. The project forms part of Eskom's R150 billion newly revised five-year capacity building programme.