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 hrs 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.
Potential Job Creation
About 1 200 jobs have been 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 enter into full commercial operation in early 2019.
Construction of the parabolic-trough CSP plant began in May 2016, following the project’s selection in December 2014 as a preferred bidder during Bid Window 3.5 of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.
Latest Developments
The Kathu Solar Park CSP plant has been synchronised to the national grid and the power station is expected to enter into full commercial operation in early 2019.
Sener Southern Africa regional MD Siyabonga Mbanjwa has said that the plant’s first synchronisation signals the project’s having entered its final stages of construction and commissioning. He adds that the power station should enter into full commercial operation “in the next couple of months”.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
Sener and Acciona Industrial (EPC, installation of electrical and mechanical components for all 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.