MEMC Soutpan Solar Plant

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The Soutpan Solar Park, a 28 MW solar PV facility, was under development by the US-based solar company Sunedison. Sponsors of the project included Sunedison, backed by MEMC materials (51%) and an array of local South Africa businesses (49%). The project company was: Erika Energy (Pty) Lt. Shareholders in the holding company were CHINT / ASK & MEMC. Astroenergy Solar Korea (ASK) was a wholly owned subsidiary of CHINT Solar (Zheijiang), of CHINT Groep. SunEdison was bought by MEMC in 2009. The project was awarded in a tender administered by the Department of Energy where a critical factor in the decision was the projected price of power. Contractual negotiations on the PPA and financing were to be completed by June 2012, but it was predicted that there would be a 20 year PPA with the state owned utility, Eskom. Construction was expected to start in December 2012. The project was to connect to the Soutpan substation. EPC partner was Izingwe Capital. O&M partner was Landelahni investments. Management services provider was SunEdison Energy Southern Africa Total estimated project cost was ZAR 1.4 billion (USD 184.7 million), with commissioning expected for 2013. Financial closure was expected in June 2012. This power plant commenced its operation in January 2014. Coordinates were: 22° 59.5’ S , 29° 15.1’ E. http://www.nersa.org.za/Admin/Document/Editor/file/Consultations/Electricity/Presentations/Soutpan%20Solar%20Park%20(Erika%20Energy)(%20Pty)%20Ltd.pdf http://www.pv-tech.org/news/consortiums_150mw_projects_awarded_preferred_bidder_status_by_south_african http://plak.co.za/moreinfo.php?id=4109