Mainstream Renewable Power uses mobile transformer in South Africa

The fact that in many places grid connection takes longer than construction of the wind farm is no secret. In order not to be too dependent on delays, the wind project developer Mainstream Renewable Power uses a mobile transformer for the construction of the Loeriesfontein wind farm in South Africa. This makes it possible for the wind power plants to be commissioned before the Helios substation is ready to secure a permanent grid connection.

“We have worked very closely with Eskom to supply and operate the mobile transformer, which is typically used by the Utility to temporarily connect to substations during maintenance or unplanned shutdowns to allow continued use of substations.  Mobile transformers are not normally used to connect Wind Farms to the distribution system,” explained Kevin Foster, Country Construction Manager for Mainstream Renewable Power.

Commissioning of the Helios tsubstation is planned for September 2017. Then the wind farm is finally connected to the grid after a test phase.