A major hybrid renewable project, including a 216 MW solar power plant and a 500 MWh battery storage system, has been launched by TotalEnergies and its partners in South Africa. Located in the Northern Cape province, this project is designed to supply renewable electricity to the South African national grid for 20 years, equivalent to over 400 GWh annually. It is part of a drive to diversify energy sources and strengthen the resilience of South Africa’s electricity system.
Continuous and Innovative Production Capacity
Thanks to a power sales contract signed with Eskom, the national electricity supplier, the project promises continuous production of 75 MW between 5am and 9.30pm. This performance is made possible by the innovative storage system that manages the intermittency of solar production. The project’s hybrid approach enables a more stable and reliable distribution of energy, beyond the hourly limits of sunshine.
TotalEnergies Consortium and Participation
The project is being developed by a consortium comprising TotalEnergies (35%), Hydra Storage Holding (35%), and Reatile Renewables (30%), a B-BBEE-certified partner. The project’s financial closing was recently completed, and it is scheduled to go into operation in 2025. This initiative is part of the national RMIPPPP program aimed at improving South Africa’s power generation capacity.
Impact of the Project on the Energy Transition
Vincent Stoquart, Senior Vice President Renewables at TotalEnergies, emphasizes the importance of this project for South Africa’s energy transition. The site’s hybrid design enables a continuous supply of green electricity, contributing both to the country’s energy transition and to the strengthening of its power system. This project illustrates the commitment of TotalEnergies and its partners to innovative and sustainable energy solutions.
The launch of this hybrid renewable project by TotalEnergies in South Africa represents a significant step towards greener, more sustainable energy. It embodies innovation in the renewable energy sector, marking an important milestone in the country’s energy transition and illustrating international efforts for a more responsible energy future.
