Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape will see construction starting on an exciting new solar energy plant later this year. SRK Consulting, South Africa is among the technical partners working to make this project a reality.
According to Brent Cock, a principal engineering geologist at SRK's Gqeberha office, the company has conducted a geotechnical investigation of the site where the 50MW photovoltaic plant will be located. The project is on a 100-hectare site on the western outskirts of Gqeberha between Bridgemeade and Greenbushes. An interpretive geotechnical report has been prepared and submitted to the co-developers, RAW Renewables and Natura Energy.
''In a project like this, it is important to test the subsurface geotechnical and geological conditions, including the suitability of on-site material for engineering layer works, '' says Cock. ''We were also asked to investigate the excavatability of the site as well as groundwater and seepage conditions.'' The study checked for any problematic soils and looked at foundation conditions to make appropriate recommendations for the project's design and construction.
