Ground was broken this week at the R9bn, 100-MW Kathu Solar Park concentrated solar power (CSP) project, in the Northern Cape, which is set to be one the largest projects of its kind in the country.
The parabolic-trough technology plant, which is being developed by an Engie-led consortium, will be equipped with a molten-salt storage system that allows 4.5 hours of thermal energy storage and is expected to be operational in the second half of 2018.
The project was awarded in the third round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) led by the Department of Energy (DoE) and will supply electricity to Eskom under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Between 1,200 and 1,500 people will be employed during the 28-month construction period. This will encompass the solar field and the power block that will be erected on site, followed by a testing period, at which point commercial operation will be declared.
Engie Southern Africa CEO Mohamed Hoosen said half of the 8-km2 site was covered by the parabolic troughs, marking the first CSP project for the company.
The plant, being developed in conjunction with engineering and technology group Sener and Spain-based Acciona, is one of seven planned CSP power plants in the market, making up 16% of the total CSP allocation in the country and is expected to contribute 390,000 MW h/y to the national grid once completion is reached.
The Kathu Solar Park is Acciona’s fourth solar project in the country, with a recent survey showing that its activities in South Africa have contributed US$295m to the gross domestic product and created over 9,500 jobs.
Through the molten salt heat storage system, power generation can be carried out at night and in cloudy conditions.
