0

Redstone CSP

  • Date of Steelwork Completion
    2023-12-30
Project Type
  • Mining/Industrial
  • Innovation
Project Team Zoom Interview Case Study
Steel Profiles Used
  • Date of Steelwork Completion
    2023-12-30
  • Tonnage
    3343
  • Hot Rolled Structural Sections
    Universal Beams (I Sections), Parallel Flange Channels, Tapered Flange Channels
  • Plates
    High Strength and Special Structural Plates
Project Overview

Located in Postmasburg, Redstone is a 100MW Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Plant able to store 12 hours of full-load energy which can supply over 200 000 South African homes during peak demand, even after the sun has set.

This is one of the largest investments in South Africa under the REIPP (Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer) Procurement Program.

The Redstone Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project in South Africa's Northern Cape utilises vast steel structures to support its key components. Towering over 50 metres, these steel girders and beams form the hot and cold molten storage systems, as well as the steam generation infrastructure. Fabricating these colossal structures from plates due to material constraints, the project team employed advanced welding techniques to overcome challenges. The sheer scale and complexity of the steel work, with 3,500 tonnes used in total, is a testament to the material's versatility in enabling large-scale renewable energy projects. This impressive showcase highlights steel's crucial role in sustainable infrastructure.

Project Details
Cadcon's workshop was the setting for the intricate prefabrication of these mammoth steel structures. Utilising advanced submerged arc welding, the team produced bespoke plate blanks to form the towering girders and beams. Meticulous connection design and trial assemblies ensured seamless on-site installation, overcoming material availability challenges through innovative fabrication techniques.
The colossal steel structures were carefully dismantled following the trial assembly in Cadcon's workshop. Transported to site, the components underwent galvanisation before being hoisted into place by mammoth 800-tonne and 630-tonne cranes. Sea Counting Structural Erectors were responsible for the intricate on-site installation, leveraging their expertise to assemble the pre-fabricated girders and beams with precision. The steam generation system, fabricated in China, was also installed by Cadcon as part of the project scope. Thoughtful planning and execution were essential to ensure the successful erection of these towering steel structures, which now form the backbone of the Redstone CSP facility.
Material shortages necessitated fabricating 95% of the steel from plates rather than pre-engineered sections. Cadcon's team rose to the challenge, utilising extended shifts on their submerged arc welding machines to produce the bespoke plate blanks. Meticulous planning for galvanisation and installation logistics also proved crucial in overcoming obstacles.
Benefits of Steel in this Application

Due to the spans, in excess of 50m, steel was the only solution for these structures supporting pumps and mixers over the Hot & Cold Molten Tanks.

Testimonials

The Cadcon team take great pride in their integral role in this landmark renewable energy project. Overcoming fabrication complexities to construct the colossal steel structures, they have delivered an impressive showcase of the material's versatility in enabling large-scale sustainable infrastructure. This project stands as a testament to their engineering expertise.

About us
Explore
Professional Development
Contact Us
Linkedin Youtube Facebook-f Twitter Instagram
SAISC © 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Designed by Progression Digital