Top 5 Solar Developments in South Africa

REIPPP Bid Window 6 Solar Damper

Solar Damper In April 2022, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) issued a Request for Proposals for Bid Window 6 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) program with aims to develop 2,600 MW of renewables capacity, of which solar will account for 1,000 MW. Successful bidders will be contracted for specific projects to develop anywhere in the range of 50 MW and 240 MW per project.

SOLA Group’s 200 MW Developments

Solar project DC motor In May 2022, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved proposals for the development of a 200 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) project by Cape Town-based energy firm, SOLA Group. With the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the project expected to be made in July, construction of the two 100 MW developments will be finalized within 14 months. Once completed, the developments will supply mining firm Tronox, and Eskom as part of the terms contained within the power purchase agreements (PPA) inked with the companies.

Sibanye-Stillwater’s 175 MW Three-Project Plan

Solar tracker actuator As South Africa’s mining industry players accelerate business sustainability efforts, many are turning to solar energy. Mining firm, Sibanye-Stillwater, proposed a three-project plan which will see the company deploy up to 175 MW of solar capacity across three of its sites. The plan entails an 80 MW project at Rustenburg Platinum Mines Complex, a 65 MW system at Karee Complex and a 30 MW plant at Bushveld Complex. The total cost of the three-project development is estimated in the range of R2.5 billion to R2.8 billion and will be funded through third-party PPA arrangements.

Scatec’s Kenhardt 1, 2 and 3 Developments

NMRV Series Worm Gear Reducer With the DMRE seeking to fast-track renewables deployment while increasing private sector participation through the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement program, Scatec secured regulatory approvals for three solar energy projects – Kenhardt 1, 2 and 3 in the Northern Cape province – with a total capacity of 150 MW. The projects will be integrated with 1.1 GWh of battery energy storage capacity to mitigate power fluctuations on Eskom’s grid. With FID for the projects anticipated by early August, the projects will be developed within 12 to 18 months from financial close, attracting R16 billion in investment and creating up to 4,968 job opportunities during the construction and operation phases.

NERSA Approves 15 Solar Projects

Planetary gear motor, In June, NERSA approved an additional 15 solar PV projects with a total capacity of 139 MW for commercial and private use. 11 of the projects will be integrated with Eskom’s grid whilst four will be connected to Ekurhuleni, Emfuleni and Tshwane Municipal grid networks.