Scalet Solar power producer has emerged the preferred bidder for the mega solar power project that will see the company build three solar plants in Upington in the Northern Cape.
The three solar power plants will be able to produce 285MW and will be built on sites that are close to each other.
The Norwegian solar power producer will deliver on the power projects under the fourth round of the country’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Procurement Programme (REIPP).
South Africa, which has been caught up in persistent load shedding, is using large scale renewable energy projects to strengthen its power supply.
Financial close for the project is expected in 2015 while construction is expected to start in 2017 at the same time with grid construction undertaking in the area.
Scalet will develop, own and operate all three solar power plants while their counterpart Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries will have 18% of the shares of the project equity.
