Bokpoort CSP project
The Bokpoort concentrated solar power (CSP) project set a new winter production record of 21.7 GWh in August, surpassing a prior winter record of 19.5 GWh set in 2017.
The 50 MW CSP parabolic trough power plant is now in its fifth year of operation, after being approved during the second bid window of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.
Bokpoort CSP CEO Christo Spammer says the achievement is significant, given the growing global need for enhanced storage and dispatch capabilities, along with considerable cost reductions in CSP technology.
The plant clocked production of 902 MWh on a single winter’s day on August 31, which is the highest production ever recorded in a single 24-hour period in winter. This is equivalent to about 18 hours of full load operations akin to baseload technologies.
The 9.3-hour thermal storage facility of the Bokpoort CSP also enabled the plant to effectively support the grid with power during the critical evening peak – between 16:00 and 22:00 – while maintaining a peak-hour load factor of about 82%.
The Bokpoort CSP project received several awards over the last four years for its benchmarking performance and delivery – first, the African record of 161 hours of continuous operations for a renewable- energy plant, with nonstop day and night production in March 2016, followed by a new summer month production record of 27.5 GWh in January 2019, and now the achievement of the new winter month record as well.
“Given the significant pressure the power system is under, with regular load-shedding, this performance is truly valued by all,” says Bokpoort CSP chairperson Nandu Bhula.