Study Unit 3

Question 1

SA’s only nuclear power plant

Answer 1

Koeberg in the Western Cape

Question 2

Four main hydropower stations in SA

Answer 2

Palmiet - Western Cape
Vanderkloof - Northern Cape
Gariep - Border of Free State and Eastern Cape
Drakensberg - Kwa-Zulu Natal

Question 3

Four gas fired power stations

Answer 3

Acacia- Cape Town
Port Rex - East London
Gourikwa - Mosselbay
Ankerlig - Atlantis

Question 4

Name three coal fired power plants

Answer 4

Arnot
Camden
Majuba - Mpumalanga

Question 5

Electricity should be transmitted at a ______ voltage and a _______ current.

Answer 5

High voltage

Low current

Question 6

How is electricity distributed in SA?

Answer 6

1. 22kV electricity from the power plant generators in transformed to a higher voltage using a step-up transformer.
2. The high voltages are necessary to push the required electricity flow through the wires (power carriers) and keeps costs low.
3. Local substations are used to transform the electricity down to 11kV for local distribution and further reduction is done for domestic use.