Name and Location
Kalkbult solar photovoltaic project, Northern Cape, South Africa.

Client
Scatec Solar.

Project Description
The power plant will be located in Kalkbult, in the Northern Cape region, which boasts some of the best conditions for solar power in the world.

The 75 MW project covers an area of 105 ha, the size of about 140 football fields. The plant will produce more than 145-million kilowatt hours a year, enough to cater for the electricity demand of 35 000 South African households.

The power will be fed into the local grid network and sold through a 20-year power purchase agreement with Eskom.

Harvesting solar power through this plant represents carbon dioxide abatements of about 125 000 t/y.

The project was selected as a preferred bidder during the first round of the Department of Energy’s (DoE’s) independent power producer programme.

A portion of the revenue from the park and the project dividends will be earmarked for socioeconomic development initiatives in the area surrounding the project site, where the primary focus will be on skills development and educational and health initiatives.

Value
The capital investment for the project is about €200-million and will be financed through Standard Bank.

Duration
The project is scheduled for completion in January 2014.

Latest Developments
Scatec Solar South Africa’s has reported sound progress on its 75 MW Kalkbult project. The  plant is scheduled for completion in October this year, almost two months ahead of schedule.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Standard Bank, Mutual Life Assurance Company and Simacel (finance), and Kentz (EPC).

On Budget and on Time?
The project is two months ahead of schedule.

Contact Details for Project Information
Scatec Solar commercial director Zola Mkumla, email zola.mkumla@scatecsolar.com.
Standard Bank, tel +27 11 299 4701 or mail information@standardbank.co.za.
Simacel, tel +318 795 4591 or email info@simacel.com.
Old Mutual, Suzanne van Schoor, tel +27 21 504 4390 or Lisette Lombard, tel +27 21 509 3318.
Kentz, Paul Youens, tel +44 20 3159 4000.