The Eastern Cape (EC) Province of South Africa (SA) and the Lower Saxony State of Germany have been engaged in a longstanding twinning partnership. As part of this twinning arrangement, a mini-grid pilot project was initiated in order to electrify the small village of Upper Blinkwater (UB) in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality.  With careful attention to the demand requirements of the village, the mini-grid power system was developed and includes a 75 kWp photovoltaic (PV) system, 370 kWh battery storage, and a 20 kW backup diesel generator (400 l diesel storage) – all with an integrated vending system, smart meters and demand side management interface. Currently, the UB mini-grid project does not include any wind power. The EC Government, through the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, expressed an interest in collaborating with South Africa Wind Energy Project (SAWEP), Phase 2 to add the wind component into the UB mini-grid project.

The objectives of the consulting services shall be to ensure that the Project is implemented with a high standard of workmanship and quality, on schedule, and within the budget, in accordance with the specifications and drawings of the Contract, to acceptable environmental and social standards and in accordance with prudent engineering practice