30-04-2025
Prime industrial area receives power upgrade
The Tshwane metro has completed critical upgrades to the Rosslyn Substation in the north of Pretoria.
This promises to strengthen energy stability and support anticipated industrial expansion in one of the metro's most important manufacturing hubs.
The upgrade, aimed at addressing current demands and future growth, included the addition of a 35MVA transformer to improve the substation's overall capacity.
The key improvement means that in the event of a transformer outage, power supply to the area will remain stable, ensuring minimal disruptions for the major industries operating in Rosslyn, including automotive giants BMW South Africa and Nissan South Africa.
Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said several enhancements were made to modernise the substation's operations and security.
The metro procured an additional incomer breaker and an 11kV, replaced outdated ring main units with SBV3 switchgear to allow for better protection of the network, and installed new dry joints to reduce maintenance challenges.
Mashigo said surveillance cameras were also installed at the facility to boost security.
'The project was supported through partnerships with local businesses. South African Breweries funded the procurement of the new breakers, while BMW contributed the security equipment.'
According to Mashigo, these improvements are only the beginning of a broader vision for the area.
Starting in the 2025/26 medium-term revenue and expenditure framework period, the metro plans to embark on a comprehensive restoration of the Rosslyn Substation over three years.
This project will focus on restoring the substation to its original design specifications while integrating the latest technologies, including arc protection on 11kV boards.
Mashigo said the future upgrades will not only solidify Rosslyn's energy reliability but also create additional energy infrastructure to accommodate the growing industrial footprint in the region.
'This includes industries beyond the automotive sector, such as rubber, petroleum, food production, metals, plastics, and steel manufacturing, all of which contribute to Tshwane's economic output.'
The metro emphasised that maintaining and modernising the Rosslyn Substation is crucial for supporting existing industries and attracting new investment.
A stable and reliable electricity supply is one of the primary considerations for businesses seeking to expand or relocate, particularly in highly industrialised zones such as Rosslyn.
Mashigo said that contingency measures already in place, such as the spare panel installed for rapid feeder supply restoration, comply with national standards (NRS 047 AND NRS 048) that require minimal service interruptions.
The metro's broader strategy, including the upcoming approval of its embedded generational policy, promises to integrate Rosslyn into future renewable energy initiatives which will pave way for sustainable industrial development.
'The planned upgrades will be carried out on the existing Rosslyn Substation infrastructure, and therefore, there is no requirement for new environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies.
These assessments were conducted during the original construction phase of the substation, which dates back over 40 years.
'Given that the current work involves upgrading and modernising existing facilities rather than establishing new ones, the original EIA findings remain applicable,' said Mashigo.
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