The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has given Eskom the green light to begin operating solar power plants in conjunction with existing coal-fired and wind power stations on the same site, after the power utility had applied for licences to add 94,5 MW of solar power to the grid. The two new solar power plants are located within the Sere Power Station in the Western Cape and the Lethabo Power Plant in the Free State.

The new 19,5 MW solar facility at the Sere station will be located in the existing 105,8MW wind farm.

The Lethabo solar photovoltaics plant will be located on the same site as the existing coal power plant. It comprises six 618 MW generating sets. The last of these generating sets was commissioned in 1990.

“These new generation facilities aim to address the power shortage that affects the country’s economy. They further feed into the Just Energy Transition strategy and programme that is aimed at transitioning to renewable energy generation to ensure the sustainability of electricity supply while ensuring security of supply,” said NERSA.