Name of the Project
DRDGold solar power plant and battery energy storage system (BESS).

Location
The project will be equidistant between the Ergo plant and the Brakpan/Withok tailings storage facility (TSF), in Gauteng, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
DRDGold.

Project Description
The project entails upgrading the existing supply line to DRDGold’s Brakpan/Withok TSF to an 88 kVA line and the construction of an initial 20 MW photovoltaic plant.

The project is designed to ultimately generate 60 MW of power to supply the Ergo plant and Brakpan/Withok TSF.

Installation of the BESS will comprise a lithium battery-based solution, capable of providing up to 100 MWh of power for the plant and the TSF. The BESS will comprise ten power storage facilities of 10 MW each.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
About R2-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
The project is targeted for completion in November 2023.

Latest Developments
The 20 MW solar power plant has been approved for construction in the 2023 financial year.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
R&A Strategic Communications on behalf of DRDGold, Jane Kamau, tel +27 11 880 3924 or email jane@rasc.co.za.