TotalEnergies Spearheads Revolutionary Hybrid Renewable Energy Project in South Africa
In an ambitious move towards a greener future, TotalEnergies, along with its partners, has embarked on the construction of a groundbreaking renewable energy project in South Africa. This cutting-edge initiative encompasses a massive 216MW solar power plant, paired with a robust 500MWh battery storage system. This innovative combination is designed to effectively manage the inherent intermittency of solar energy production. Nestled in the scenic Northern Cape province, this state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize the way South Africa harnesses solar power. The site is poised to inject dispatchable renewable electricity directly into the country’s national grid for a solid two decades, promising an impressive output of over 400GWh annually.
A landmark Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), signed in November, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. Thanks to the advanced storage system, the project commits to providing a steady supply of 75MW of dispatchable power to the national utility Eskom. This supply is remarkably consistent, spanning from the early hours of 5am to 9.30pm, significantly outlasting the daily sunshine. The development of this project is a collaborative effort, led by a consortium comprising TotalEnergies with a 35% stake, Hydra Storage Holding also holding 35%, and a B-BBEE partner, Reatile Renewables, with a 30% share. Celebrating a significant milestone, the project achieved financial closure on December 14. It is on track to be fully operational by 2025, as a key component of the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. This initiative, launched by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, aims to augment electricity generation capacity and mitigate South Africa’s pressing electricity supply challenges. Vincent Stoquart, the Senior Vice President of Renewables at TotalEnergies, expressed his enthusiasm: “Together with our partners, we are thrilled to launch this major solar power generation and storage project in South Africa. Its innovative hybrid design is a game-changer, ensuring the supply of continuous green electricity far beyond the sunlight hours. This project is not just a step towards the country’s energy transition, but a giant leap in strengthening the resilience of its power system.” This project stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability, marking a significant stride in South Africa’s journey towards a renewable energy future.
Credit: [Image: TotalEnergies]