Name of the Project
Kathu concentrated solar power (CSP) project.
Location
Northern Cape, South Africa.
Client
The project is being led by ENGIE (48.5%) and includes a group of South African investors comprising SIOC Community Development Trust, Investec bank, Lereko Metier and the Public Investment Corporation.
Project Description
The project involves the construction of a 100 MW greenfield CSP facility with parabolic technology and a molten storage system that allows for 4.5 hours of thermal energy storage. This will enable the plant to supply power for longer periods.
It is estimated that the Kathu solar park will save six-million tonnes of carbon dioxide over 20 years.
The solar power park was awarded preferred bidder status in the third round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme led by the Department of Energy.
Jobs to be Created
Between 1 200 and 1 500 jobs will be created during the construction phase.
Value
The project is estimated at R9-billion.
Debt funding will be provided by Rand Merchant Bank, Nedbank Capital, ABSA Capital, Investec and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
Duration
The project is expected to be operational in the second half of 2018.
Latest Developments
Sener is expected to continue providing the engineering, procurement and construction services for the 100 MW Kathu concentrated solar power (CSP) project this year, in conjunction with its joint venture partner Acciona.
Construction started in May 2016 and is due for completion at the end of 2018. The work includes installations of electrical and mechanical components for all the reflective mirrors and the central power processing plant.
Sener regional MD Siyabonga Mbanjwa has said that most of the key components of the solar field, such as pylons, solar collector elements, torque tubes and arms will be manufactured, galvanised, supplied and erected in 2017, with most of the manufacturing taking place in South Africa.
The solar field for this project is about 375 ha, with 12 500 piles and more than 500 000 m3 of cut and 600 000 m3 of fill of earthworks. Sener provides the technology for the solar field, which consists of parabolic mirrors that reflect sunrays and concentrates them into a receiver – a specific tube with good heat absorptivity properties – through which a fluid passes.
Once the power plant is fully operational, Sener will not be responsible for the continued maintenance of the plant. “We provide the operation and maintenance manuals and all warranties related to performing adequate observations and measurements. We will also provide the necessary training on best practices on the operations of the plant for the appointed operations and maintenance contractor,” Mbunjwa has explained.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
Sener and Acciona (installation of electrical and mechanical components for all of the reflective mirrors and central power processing plant).
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
ENGIE investor relations, tel +33 1 44 22 66 29 or email ir@gdfsuez.com.