The first 20-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaics (PV) plant at the Port of Richards Bay will be constructed by Sandton construction and engineering firm, Amulet Group Consortium, Transnet has announced.
“The construction of the plant is part of Transnet National Ports Authority’s commitment to decarbonise its port operations under its Renewable Energy Purchase programme,” the logistics utility said.
“Within this programme, TNPA plans to install an estimated 100 MW of renewable energy that will be implemented cumulatively across South Africa’s eight commercial seaports.”
The state-owned company said the programme was in line with South Africa’s commitment to find ways to transition to a net-zero emission economy by 2050.
“The appointment of Amulet Group Consortium follows a Request for Proposals procurement process which TNPA embarked on in May 2023.
“The Consortium will be responsible for designing, constructing, testing, commissioning, operating and maintaining a 20-MW solar PV plant with a battery energy system at the port for seven years,” TNPA said.
Managing executive of TNPA’s eastern region ports, Moshe Motlohi, said: “The introduction of a renewable energy solution in the port system will enable the reduction of carbon emissions and greenhouse gas emissions from coal-generated electricity.
“It will further provide a cost-effective and reliable energy supply to the port and its users.”
TNPA anticipates that the design and construction of the solar PV plant will commence this month and will be operational by May 31, 2026.
