FOCUS
Why invest in solar generation plants in South Africa • • • • • • •
South Africa’s solar irradiation levels are among the best in the world (>2 000kWh/m²). Transition to a cleaner energy mix (low carbon path). Strong local content from government (glass, mirrors). Strong, established local construction companies. Experience in building power stations and mines. Current steel and pipes production meeting CSP requirements. A target to generate 45% of all new electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
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The ongoing success of the renewables procurement programme and the growing interest of international developers and funders are helping South Africa to improve its ranking from nowhere to top 10 investment destinations in the world (Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index 2014). South Africa is the region’s clear leader for clean energy development with record investments of over US$10-billion in 2012 and 2013.
Drivers for PV and CSP investments • • • •
Environmental issues such as pollution and exploitation of natural resources. Climate change due to CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. Energy security through diversification of supply. Sustainable development.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN THE FREE STATE POWER PLANT
LOCATION
DATE OF COMMISSION
INSTALLED/ PLANNED CAPACITY
May 2014
64MW
Operational
Solar Reserve
3.8-billion, 1-billion cost of financing
USA
Under construction
Enel Green Power
2.4-billion
Italy
1.8-billion
USA
16-billion
Korea
STATUS
OPERATOR
LETSATSI PV PROJECT
Bloemfontein, Tokologo LM
PULIDA SOLAR PARK
Jacobsdal, Letsemeng LM
Aug 2016
82MW
BOSHOFF SOLAR PARK
Tokologo LM
Nov 2014
64MW
Operational
Sun Edison Korean Solar Power Consortium
INVESTMENT VALUE
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
XHARIEP SOLAR HUB
Kopanong, Bethulie LM
Planned
600MW Planned
Concept development and project design
BLACKWOOD ENERGY SOLAR PLANT
Tokologo LM
Planned
75MW
Planned
New development
TBC
TBC
EVEREST SOLAR PLANT
Matjhabeng LM
Planned
75MW Planned
New development
FRV Energy South Africa
Project occupies 180ha of the Farm Beyers 186 (393ha)
TBC
GROOTKOP SOLAR FACILITY
Matjhabeng LM
Planned
75MW Planned
New development
FRV Energy South Africa
Project will occupy 180ha of the Farm Beyers 186 (393ha)
TBC
FREE STATE BUSINESS 2019
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