The Grootspruit Solar Power Station, is a 75 megawatts solar power plant under construction in South Africa. The solar farm is under development and is owned by a consortium comprising Engie, the French multinational utility company and Pele Green Energy, a South African independent power producer. The off-taker of the power generated here is Eskom Holdings, the public electricity utility parastatal company of South Africa. A long-term power purchase agreement between Engie and Eskom, governs the sale and purchase of electricity between the power station and the electric utility company.[1]
| Grootspruit Solar Power Station | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Location | Matjhabeng, Lejweleputswa District, Free State |
| Coordinates | 27°59′14″S 27°05′01″E / 27.98722°S 27.08361°E |
| Status | Under construction |
| Construction began | 2024 |
| Commission date | 2025 Expected |
| Construction cost | ZAR 1.4 billion (US$76.4 million) Estimate |
| Owner(s) | Engie |
| Operator(s) | Engie |
| Solar farm | |
| Type | Flat-panel PV |
| Power generation | |
| Nameplate capacity | 75 MW (101,000 hp) |
| Annual net output | ~ 183 GWh |
Location
editThe power station is located outside the city of Welkom in Matjhabeng Local Municipality, in Lejweleputswa District, in the Free State.[2] Welkom is located about 155 kilometres (96 mi) northeast of Bloemfontein, the provincial capital.[3]
Overview
editThe design calls for 150,000 ground-mounted photo-voltaic cells, with total capacity rating of 75 megawatts. Eskom contracted to purchase the power and integrate it into the national South African grid.[2]
Ownership
editThe table below illustrates the composition of the shareholding in Grootspruit Solar Power Station. The owners are expected to form a special purpose vehicle company to own, develop, operate and maintain this solar farm. For descriptive purposes we will refer to the SPV as Grootspruit Solar Consortium.[1][2][4]
| Rank | Shareholder | Domicile | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ENGIE | France | [1][2] | |
| 2 | Pele Green Energy | South Africa | [1][2] | |
| Total | 100.00 |
Cost
editThe cost of construction was estimated at ZAR 1.4 billion (approx. US$76.4 million), as of July 2024.[2]
Construction
editThe engineering, procurement and construction contract was awarded to a joint venture comprising two South African construction companies; Aurex Constructors and Ablon Construction. Construction began in H2 2024 and commercial commissioning is anticipated in H2 2025.[1][2][4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e Jean Marie Takouleu (9 August 2024). "Engie launches construction of its Grootspruit solar farm in South Africa". Afrik21.africa. Paris, France. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g Konelo Lekhafola (17 July 2024). "Grootspruit solar plant to power 80,000 homes in Free State". South African Broadcasting Corporation. Johannesburg, South Africa. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
- ^ Google (10 August 2024). "Road Distance Between Bloemfontein, South Africa And Welkom, South Africa" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
- ^ a b Creamer Media (18 July 2024). "Engie starts construction on 75 MW Grootspruit solar PV plant". Engineering News South Africa. Johannesburg, South Africa. Retrieved 10 August 2024.