The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) recently approved Eskom licenses to Launch New Solar Power Plants. These new facilities will be located at Eskom’s existing Sere and Lethabo power stations in the Western Cape and Free State.
Background on Eskom’s Solar Projects
Nersa Grants Licenses for Solar Projects
On 29 October 2024, Nersa granted Eskom two licenses to establish solar photovoltaic (PV) plants. These facilities, named the Sere Solar PV Power Plant and Lethabo Solar PV Power Plant, will operate alongside Eskom’s existing Sere Wind Farm and Lethabo coal plant.
Facility Details and Power Capacity
The two facilities will generate renewable solar energy for South Africa:
- Sere Solar PV Power Plant: Located at Matzikama Local Municipality, Western Cape, with a capacity of 19.5MW.
- Lethabo Solar PV Power Plant: Located in Metsimaholo Local Municipality, Free State, with a capacity of 75MW.
Project Plans and Phases
Tenders and Bidding Process
In April 2024, Eskom issued a tender for the Lethabo plant’s construction, with a requirement for bidders to have experience in similar solar projects. Later, a similar tender was issued for the Sere plant, with a deadline in September 2024.
Expansion Plans for Sere Solar Plant
The Sere Solar PV Power Plant is planned to grow in phases, aiming for a total capacity of 600MW over time:
- Phase 1a: A solar facility under 20MW.
- Phase 2b: Expanding capacity to 50MW.
- Phase 3c: Expanding capacity to 530MW.
Due to its smaller scale, the first phase, 1a, does not need a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The Urgency of Additional Capacity
Eskom’s solar plants aim to alleviate South Africa’s ongoing energy shortage, which has impacted economic growth. Eskom had initially set a timeline from 2022 to 2023 for the first phases of these projects but faced delays.
Eskom’s Broader Renewable Energy Plans
In 2021, Eskom estimated that its renewable projects, which span until 2030, would cost R106 billion. These projects include solar power plants at various sites like Arnot, Duvha, Majuba, Tutuka, and Komati, contributing hundreds of megawatts of solar energy.
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Conclusion
Eskom Launch New Solar Power Plants at Sere and Lethabo marks an important step toward increasing South Africa’s renewable energy capacity. With ambitious plans to expand these plants, Eskom aims to address the country’s energy needs while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This project signals a promising shift toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future for South Africa.
FAQs
What are the capacities of the new solar plants at Sere and Lethabo?
The Sere Solar PV Plant will start with a capacity of 19.5MW, while the Lethabo Solar PV Plant will have a capacity of 75MW.
Where will these solar plants be located?
The Sere Solar PV Plant will be in the Matzikama Local Municipality, Western Cape. The Lethabo Solar PV Plant will be in the Metsimaholo Local Municipality, Free State.
Will these solar plants affect the environment?
Phase 1a of the Sere Solar Plant, with less than 20MW capacity, meets basic environmental requirements, so a full Environmental Impact Assessment isn’t required.
What is the purpose of these solar plants?
These plants are part of Eskom’s strategy to reduce the energy shortage in South Africa by transitioning to more sustainable power sources.
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