Renewable power producer Scatec ASA has commenced construction of a solar and battery project in Kenhardt in the Northern Cape that, upon completion, will reportedly be the world’s biggest clean-energy plant of its kind.
At optimum level it will generate 540 megawatts of solar energy, with 225MW (1 140MW/h) of storage capacity.
Part of the government’s Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producers’ Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP), the Kenhardt plant will provide 150MW of solar power to the region once completed.
At R16.4 billion, the plant is Scatec’s biggest investment to date, and was described by chief executive Terje Pilskog as truly unique considering that it will be the world’s biggest solar power and battery storage plant.
Scatec’s general manager for Africa south of the Sahara, Jan Fourie, said it was an important milestone for renewable energy and its utilisation to feed much-needed electricity into southern Africa’s power grid.
Scatec holds 51% of the shares in the project while its black economic empowerment partner, H1 Holdings, has a 49% shareholding.
SOURCE: Landbouweekblad
