Scatec Solar photovoltaic projects, South Africa

18th October 2013 By: Sheila Barradas - Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

Scatec Solar photovoltaic projects, South Africa

Name and Location
Scatec Solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, South Africa.

Client
Scatec Solar, through its joint venture company, Scatec Solar South Africa.

Project Description
The two PV projects will be located at Linde, in the Northern Cape, and Dreunberg, in the Eastern Cape, and will generate a combined 115 MW.

Both regions boast some of the best conditions for solar power in the world.

Combined production will be more than of 225-million kilowatt hours a year, enough to supply the electricity demand of 53 000 South African households.

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

The plants represent carbon dioxide abatements of almost 190 000 t/y.

The projects were selected under the second round of the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.

Value
Capital investment for the two projects is about €300-million and will be financed through Standard Bank.

The consortium providing the equity finance consists of Scatec Solar, Standard Bank, Old Mutual Life Assurance Company, Norfund and Simacel.

Duration
The plants are scheduled for completion in mid-2014.

Latest Developments
Raubex Infra has been awarded two contracts by Scatec Solar to provide civils and electrical work for its two PV projects.

The contracts are being implemented by Raubex Infra’s dedicated Power and Energy Infrastructure Projects unit.

As the subengineering, procurement and construction contractor, Raubex is responsible for civil works, including the establishment of borrow pits for gravel, bulk earthworks, fencing, security systems, electrification and monitoring of intrusion protection, civil excavation of electrical cable trenches, electrical cabing and connections, as well as the installation of a medium-voltage cabling system from the transformer stations to the substation that feeds the Eskom network.

The group is also responsible for overall site management, which includes overseeing the training and logistocs for labourers to and from site for Raubex, as well as the provision of ablutions, water and construction for a control room building and facilities.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Raubex Infra (civils and electrical work).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Scatec Solar South Africa project development, Jed Borrill, tel +27 11 784 2777 or email jed.borrill@scatecsolar.com.
Raubex Infra, Dirk Lourens, tel +27 51 406 2000 or email dirk.l@raubex.com.