(The Post News)- Scatec ASA, a Norwegian company, has commenced commercial operation at its 273MW Grootfontein PV solar power farm in the Western Cape, South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy sector.
Grootfontein Solar Farm Expected to Produce 700 Gigawatt-hours
The Grootfontein solar farm is expected to produce 700 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually, resulting in an estimated reduction of 630,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. This aligns with South Africa’s commitment to decreasing its carbon footprint.
Scatec’s CEO, Terje Pilskog, expressed appreciation to stakeholders, highlighting the company’s dedication to supporting South Africa’s energy transition. The facility’s revenues will be secured through a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Eskom.
Grootfontein is the first project to be completed under Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), demonstrating Scatec’s crucial role in South Africa’s renewable energy industry.
Community Involvement
The project’s ownership structure consists of Scatec (51%), H1 Holdings (46.5%), and the Grootfontein Local Community Trust (2.5%), showcasing the company’s commitment to local community involvement.
Scatec’s installed capacity now stands at just over 1GW, solidifying its position as one of South Africa’s largest independent power producers.
Scatec will provide operation and maintenance services, as well as asset management services, to the power plant. The total estimated cost for the project was R5.1 billion, with Standard Bank serving as the lead financier.
Grootfontein is the second-largest solar power plant operating in South Africa, with Scatec’s Kenhardt Hybrid Plant being the largest. However, a significant portion of Kenhardt’s capacity is used to charge its battery system.
The success of Grootfontein has increased Scatec’s installed capacity to just over 1GW, solidifying its position as one of South Africa’s largest independent power producers (IPPs).
Scatec has a long history in South Africa, having launched the country’s first utility-scale solar power plant under the REIPPPP – the Kalkbult 75MW solar power farm – in March 2014.
The company has been awarded preferred bidder status for an additional 846MW of solar power projects under REIPPP Bid Window 7, which will be constructed near Kroonstad in the Free State.
Scatec is also building the 130MW/412MWh Mogobe BESS near Kathu in the Northern Cape, highlighting its commitment to energy storage solutions.
The Grootfontein project is expected to contribute significantly to South Africa’s renewable energy goals, with other projects in the pipeline, including the 288MW Mercury 2 solar power plant and the 123MW/492MWh Haru BESS.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) facilities, like Mogobe and Haru, are vital in ensuring grid stability amidst the increasing adoption of intermittent renewable energy sources.
Scatec’s efforts in South Africa demonstrate its dedication to driving the energy transition and promoting sustainable development.
The company’s initiatives are expected to have a lasting impact on the country’s energy landscape, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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