Karino

The proposed Karino Hydro Power project, which was initiated in 2009 by Nepsa Energy, is a 2.2MW ‘Run of the River’ hydro scheme, situated in the Crocodile River in close proximity to Karino, Mpumalanga. The project is a ‘run of the river’ hydro scheme which means no water is to be stored (in case of a dam) and all water, which will be diverted, will return to the river. The project will utilize an existing weir and a portion of an existing canal system, dating back to 1914, which will be enlarged and extended.

The expected output of the proposed Karino Station is based on decades of flow statistics which is derived from the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation’s measuring station close by. The relatively small scale of the project (2.2 MW) makes it easy to find buyers with a sufficient load to absorb the total estimated output of the station.

As part of Nepsa’s strategy, Karino Hydro will implement a broad-based approach in terms of BEE. Orphan care has been identified as a key area in terms of social responsibility in the region. A special trust will be set up, which will channel dividend income to beneficiaries, which will be orphans located within 50km radius of the site.