Renewables developer and independent power producer BioTherm Energy’s Aries and Konkoonsies solar photovoltaic (PV) energy facilities, in the Northern Cape, have reached commercial operation, delivering a combined 20 MW of electricity to the national grid.
The projects, which were selected in the first round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) in November 2011 and successfully reached financial close in November 2012, each comprised some 45 000 PV solar modules and would supply power to the national grid for the next 20 years through a power purchase agreement secured with State-owned power utility Eskom’s single buyer office.
BioTherm Energy CEO Jasandra Nyker said reaching commercial operation on two 10 MW solar facilities was testament to how a South African company could leverage its own skill set to ensure that projects were brought online within the set timeframe.
“Our achievement will stand us in good stead as we roll out our multiproject pipeline throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including future REIPPPP rounds,” she commented.
The Aries plant was situated about 36 km south-west of Kenhardt, in the Northern Cape, while the Konkoonsies facility was located 32 km north-east of Pofadder, also in the Northern Cape.
The plants were constructed by specialist engineering, procurement and construction contractor Juwi.
Khâi-MA local municipality mayor Aurelia Josop welcomed the development, noting that it would address the area’s high unemployment rate and contribute to the municipal ward’s economic growth.