Serengeti Energy's Boston hydropower plant on the Ash River in South Africa is expected to start commercial operation before year end. The project is now in the final verification phase, and awaiting final Grid Code Compliance prior to declaring Commercial Operation Date (COD) expected for the end of October 2025
The period between May and August 2025 marked the final and most critical stage of construction. Following months of above-average rainfall earlier in the year, site conditions gradually stabilised. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) return of flows — initially expected in April — was finally realized at 04:00 on 23 May 2025, allowing in-river and canal works to resume safely.
With improved access, attention turned to completing the powerhouse. The generator was lowered into position on 14 June 2025, followed by structural closure of the roof, alignment of the turbine, and installation of mechanical and electrical systems. Civil works during this period focused on the transition canal to the forebay, penstock repairs, access roads, and architectural finishes inside the powerhouse.
By late July, Electromechanical (EMEC) Installation — covering the generator, cabling, switchgear, auxiliary systems, and transformers — was completed, paving the way for commissioning. On 24 July, the first in-watering of the canal and forebay took place, followed by successful wet commissioning of the radial and emergency gates.
Dry commissioning commenced on 30 July 2025 and was successfully completed by 18 August, leading directly into wet commissioning. The first turbine spin occurred on 19 August, followed by successful synchronisation to the national grid on 28 August 2025. Full-load testing was finalised on 2 September 2025, marking the completion of all major construction and commissioning milestones.