In January 2017, the fourth and final unit of the 4 x 333 MW Ingula pumped storage scheme entered commercial operation, the other three units having been brought into commercial operation during the latter half of 2016. The facility is situated on the continental watershed known as the Klein Drakensberg, dividing the Vaal catchments, which flow into the Atlantic Ocean, and the Tugela catchments flowing into the Indian Ocean. Ingula’s four units are located 350 m underground. The upper dam of the scheme, Bedford Dam, is situated 460 m higher and 2 km away. Ingula is Africa’s largest (in terms of capacity) pumped storage scheme.
