100 MW Solar Project in the Northern Cape Gets Green Light

Eskom has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with French multinational electricity company Engie to start construction of the Kathu Solar Park project in Northern Cape, it has been announced. It is expected to be operational in late 2018, providing 100 MW of power.

“The Kathu Solar Park project supports South Africa’s strategy of increasing the contribution of renewable power and also underlines our commitment to be a key partner in achieving sustainable energy generation in Africa,” said Bruno Bensasson, CEO of the Engie Africa Business Unit.

It is estimated that 1 MW of solar photovoltaics can power about 164 homes.

The consortium, led by Engie, includes a group of South African investors comprising SIOC Community Development Trust, Investec, Lereko Metier and the Public Investment Corporation.

Some 1,200 jobs will be created during the construction phase.

It is estimated that the Kathu Solar Park will save six million tones of CO2 over 20 years and will further promote local economic development through various projects such as a local community trust for the benefit of communities in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality situated in the Northern Cape and sourcing of other services from local entrepreneurs.

In Africa, Engie has interests in two operational wind farms – the 94 MW West Coast 1 wind farm in South Africa and the 301 MW Tarfaya wind farm in Morocco. In South Africa, the group owns and operates two thermal power peaking plants – the 670 MW Avon plant (under construction) and 335 MW Dedisa plant (in operation).  Through Solairedirect, it is in charge of two solar photovoltaic parks with a total installed capacity of 21 MW located in the Western Cape Province.