Serengeti Energy has confirmed that the Boston Hydro project in South Africa is on track to reach its Commercial Operation Date (COD) by the end of October 2025. The nearly ZAR 400 million hydropower development will become the company’s fourth operating plant on the Ash River, further expanding its renewable energy portfolio in the region.
Construction of the facility began 23 months ago and has now reached completion. The final phase, from May to August 2025, included key activities such as installation of the generator, turbine alignment, and completion of civil and electrical works.
After several months of heavy rainfall earlier in the year, the site stabilised in May when flows from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project resumed. This allowed work to progress on the powerhouse and canal systems.
The project achieved several milestones over the winter months. Electromechanical installation was completed in July, followed by in-watering of the canal and forebay. The first turbine spin occurred on August 19, with synchronization to the national grid completed on August 28. Full-load testing was finalized on September 2, marking the end of major construction and commissioning.
Boston Hydro is now undergoing final verification and grid compliance checks before full commercial operation. In the meantime, crews are focused on environmental rehabilitation, slope stabilization, and final architectural work, including installation of a Lunawood façade on the powerhouse.
Once operational, the Boston Hydro plant will provide reliable, renewable baseload power to South Africa’s national grid and strengthen Serengeti Energy’s presence in the hydropower sector.
