Lower Orange Hydroelectrical Power Scheme (LOHEPS) - Nine Small Hydroelectric Power Stations

The proposed development will consist of the 100 MW run-of-river Lower Orange Hydroelectrical Power Scheme (LOHEPS). The scheme will entail the development of up to nine small hydroelectric power stations, ranging from 6 MW to 12 MW, along the Lower Orange river, which has an estimated power generation potential of between 80 MW and 120 MW. The power utility notes that LOHEPS would be used to divert the flow of the river through canals and tunnels into water turbines to produce electricity. Between 66 km and 72 km of tunnels and 5 km of canals would have to be constructed, while about 300 km of access roads to reach the hydroelectric plants would also have to be built, as part of the proposed scheme. Further, three additional substations closer to the new hydropower stations would have to be built. The project will be developed in 2 phases. Phase 1 will include the construction of four of the 9 sites and the remaining 5 sites will form part of the second phase. Phase 1 is estimated at 167m Euros.