A significant hybrid renewables endeavor is underway in South Africa as TotalEnergies, in collaboration with partners, embarks on the construction of a groundbreaking project comprising a 216 MW solar plant and a 500 MWh battery storage system. This initiative aims to effectively manage the intermittency of solar production, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions.
Situated in the Northern Cape province, this site is poised to supply dispatchable renewable electricity to the South African national grid for a span of two decades, delivering an impressive equivalent of over 400 GWh per year. Enabled by a Power Purchase Agreement inked in November, the project’s storage system will facilitate the supply of 75 MW of dispatchable power to the national utility Eskom continuously from 5 a.m. to 9.30 p.m., extending beyond available sunshine hours.
Crafted by a consortium composed of TotalEnergies (35%), Hydra Storage Holding1 (35%), and Reatile Renewables (30%), the project has achieved financial close on December 14. Anticipated to become operational in 2025, it forms part of the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme initiated by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. This program aims to bolster electricity generation capacity and address the nation’s electricity supply limitations.
Vincent Stoquart, Senior Vice President of Renewables at TotalEnergies, expressed enthusiasm about this venture. He highlighted the innovative design of the hybrid project, emphasizing its capability to supply continuous green electricity beyond sunlight hours. Stoquart emphasized the project’s significance in driving South Africa’s energy transition and enhancing the resilience of its power system.
The collaborative effort among TotalEnergies and its partners signifies a pioneering stride toward sustainable energy solutions, envisioning a more resilient and eco-friendly power landscape for South Africa’s future.
