1 000 MW gas plant planned for Mpumalanga

Independent power producer (IPP) FlexED has launched an advanced-stage gas-to-power project in Mpumalanga, aiming to contribute up to 1 000 MW to South Africa’s grid in support of the Department of Electricity and Energy’s gas IPP programme.

Known as the Khanyazwe Flexpower project, the development will be located near Malelane within 500 m of existing grid infrastructure and the ROMPCO gas pipeline – two key factors that the developer says will help reduce construction complexity and improve cost efficiency.

The plant will use internal combustion engine technology selected for its modularity and low water requirements.

The project will be rolled out in two phases:

  • The first phase is aligned with the government’s plan to procure 3 000 MW of new gas-fired generation.
  • The second phase may supply future gas IPP bidding rounds or sell directly to the system operator or licensed energy traders.

FlexED says the project has already secured environmental authorisation, land rights and access to the grid and gas pipeline infrastructure.