The Scatec ASA-owned solar and battery energy storage facility based at Kenhardt in the Northern Cape is now fully operational and supplying power to the grid.
The project, totalling 540 MW solar and 225 MW/1 140 MWh battery storage, is one of the world’s largest hybrid solar and battery storage facilities.
It has a total capex of approximately US$1 billion and marks the most significant commitment in Scatec’s history. The power will be sold under a 20-year PPA with Eskom. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy awarded the project under the technology-agnostic Risk Mitigation IPP procurement programme (RMIPPP). Scatec holds 51% of the equity and H1 Holdings, the local Black Economic Empowerment partner, holds 49%.
With its high sun exposure and wind energy potential, the Northern Cape could be a central part of South Africa’s renewable energy complex, says Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. Ramokgopa was speaking during an event to mark the reaching of commercial operation of the project.
He said provincial and national governments were discussing how investments in the province could have a long-term impact through localisation and the creation of industry.
Scatec entered the South African market in 2010. The company has 730 MW in operation. Currently under construction is a 273 MW project in Grootfontein, and the commercial close of the Mogobe BESS 103 MW storage project is expected in June this year.
