TINA JOEMAT-PETTERSSON The success of the De Aar solar farm project highlights the potential for the Northern Cape to become the solar capital of the world
Renewable-energy project developer Solar Capital last month inaugurated the second phase of its De Aar solar farm project, in the Northern Cape, with De Aar 3 adding 90 MW of capacity to the overall project.
This was in addition to the first phase of the project, the 85 MW De Aar 1 solar farm, which came on line in August 2014.
Media and dignitaries were invited to attend the inauguration of the 175 MW solar farm, which Solar Capital chairperson Paschal Phelan noted would provide power to between 75 000 and 100 000 South African homes.
“It is the largest solar farm ever built in the southern hemisphere, Africa, the Middle East and . . . the second-largest farm even compared with Europe,” he added.
Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson congratulated Phelan on delivering the project, which she said could be the “blueprint” for further solar projects in South Africa and that the project showcased the Northern Cape’s potential to be the solar capital of the world.
“We are particularly happy that the Northern Cape has been part of this development,” she said. “We believe that this plant and the success of this plant could be a blueprint for what we could do in the future.”
Meanwhile, Northern Cape MEC McCollen Ntsikelelo Jack pointed out the importance of solar energy in diversifying the economy of the province.
“As the Northern Cape, our challenge is moving away from mining [and] agriculture to renewable energy and [the launch of this farm] is an indication of what we can do to grow and build the economy of the Northern Cape,” he said.
An investment of R5-billion was made into the first two phases of the De Aar project, with 25% of the investment equity financed by local companies and the Public Investment Corporation. The remaining 75% was financed through loans from Standard Bank South Africa and Deutsche Bank in London, in the UK.
At its peak, 2 000 people were employed, with 90% from the local community. There are currently about 220 people working on site, with a further 120 people to be employed to maintain the solar farm once the final two phases of the project are complete.
The next phase, the 86 MW De Aar 2, formed part of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme Round 4 bid extension.