Kathu concentrated solar power project, South Africa

1st July 2016 By: Sheila Barradas - Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

Kathu concentrated solar power project, South Africa

Name and Location
Kathu concentrated solar power (CSP) project, Northern Cape, South Africa.

Client
The project is being developed by a consortium, including French company ENGIE (48.4%), the Sishen Iron Ore Company Community Development Trust and other South African partners that include 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 hours of thermal energy storage. This will enable the plant to supply power for longer periods.

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.

Value
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 be operational in the second half of 2018.

Latest Developments
Construction of the project is expected to start soon following the signing of a 20-year power purchase agreement by the ENGIE-led consortium and South Africa’s State-owned electricity utility Eskom this month.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

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.