Bethlehem Hydro Project, South Africa

South Africa’s first grid-connected independent hydropower plant, the Bethlehem Hydro Project harnesses the flow of the Ash River to generate clean energy.

Client

Renewable Energy Holdings (REH)

Project date

Project initiated in 2002

Located in the Free State Province, the Bethlehem Hydro Project (BHP) is a pioneering renewable energy initiative comprising two mini hydropower stations. It was developed to utilise the continuous water flow from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) into the Ash River, marking a significant milestone in South Africa’s energy transition.

The opportunity

As South Africa’s first grid-connected independent hydropower scheme, BHP required innovative design and compliance with stringent environmental regulations. Zutari (formerly Aurecon Africa) partnered with REH to deliver a project that would meet national standards while overcoming complex hydraulic and geotechnical challenges.

What we did

Zutari’s involvement included:

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) and public participation process

Compilation of a detailed environmental management plan (EMP)

Detailed design and project management for two hydropower stations: Merino and Sol Plaatje

Key engineering achievements:

An 8 m-high mass concrete weir at Merino to divert water to a canal

A redesigned layout at Sol Plaatje to improve efficiency and energy output

Deep excavations to optimise turbine performance and prevent cavitation

A compact horseshoe-shaped spillway to manage flood conditions

The Merino and Sol Plaatje stations demonstrate engineering ingenuity, delivering clean energy from the Ash River’s steady flow.

The outcome

The Bethlehem Hydro Project achieved several national firsts:

First installation of Kaplan turbines in South Africa

First non-consumptive water use licence issued under the new Water Act

First hydropower generation licence issued by NERSA

First hydropower project in South Africa to earn carbon credits under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

Together, the stations generate 37,000 MWh of clean energy annually, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 34,000 tonnes. The project was constructed to international standards and is recognised as a benchmark in sustainable energy development.

The Bethlehem Hydro Project showcases how strategic partnerships and innovative engineering can unlock renewable energy potential. Zutari’s role in environmental compliance and technical delivery helped establish a model for future hydropower developments in South Africa.

Constructed to international standards, the BHP is considered a ground-breaking sustainable project.

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Bethlehem Hydro Project, South Africa

Client

Project date

The opportunity

What we did

The outcome

Related projects

Jiji and Mulembwe Hydropower Projects, Burundi

Polihali Transfer Tunnel, Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II

The Docklands, South Africa

Olifants River Bridge, South Africa

Want to see more?

Want to see more?

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see more?

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see more?