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Kruisvallei Hydropower Project, South Africa

Helping to power South Africa through a greenfield hydropower project.

Client

Red Rocket

Project date

Commercial operation began in February 2021

Zutari undertook the ambitious task of building two run-of-river hydropower plants along the Ash River between the Free State towns of Clarens and Bethlehem. The project, developed by Red Rocket under South Africa’s Renewable Energy Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), generates approximately 23 kWh of energy annually, enough to power more than 1,916 households.

The opportunity

South Africa’s growing demand for clean and reliable energy presented an opportunity to harness the consistent flow of the Ash River. The Kruisvallei project, dating back to 2009, was initially considered unviable. However, Red Rocket saw its potential and partnered with Zutari to bring the vision to life.

What we did

Zutari’s involvement included:

  • Reviewing and optimising the previous design

  • Conducting energy determination studies

  • Drafting the Employer’s Requirements

  • Assisting with contractor procurement and firm costing

  • Managing three construction contracts

  • Performing grid code and network compliance studies

  • Witnessing Factory Acceptance Tests

  • Overseeing commissioning management


The project was designed as a run-of-river system, meaning no damming was involved, thereby minimising ecological impact.
The Kruisvallei hydropower facility powers close to 2,000 homes with minimal environmental impact.

The outcome

The project successfully delivers clean energy to the national grid with little to no negative environmental impact. Water is diverted from the Ash River into a canal, passed through turbines, and returned downstream, with a minimum flow maintained to protect aquatic ecosystems. The project was recognised as a joint winner in the category ‘Projects with a value between R50–R250 million’ at the CESA AON Awards 2021.

The Kruisvallei Hydropower Project stands as a testament to perseverance, innovation and collaboration. Zutari’s technical expertise and commitment to engineered impact helped transform a once-dismissed idea into a celebrated renewable energy success story for South Africa.

“The project’s success can best be ascribed to the perfect combination of the right mindset and key project partners.”

Luca Silva

COO, Red Rocket

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