South Africa - Eskom Renewables Support Project

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The objective of the Eskom Renewables Support Project is to facilitate accelerated development of large scale renewable energy capacity in support of the long-term carbon mitigation strategy of South Africa. There are two components to the project, the first component being 100 MW sere wind power plant and associated infrastructure for the connection of wind and renewable IPPs to the grid. The project is fully scoped and specified. Prequalification of contractors and preparation of bid documents for the wind-turbine generators and other associated facilities are at advanced stages. The wind resource in South Africa as a whole is moderate to low, with the estimated highest capacity factor about 26 percent. Taking this into account, as well as the availability and preparedness of the site, including closeness to transmission, availability of long term wind measurement data, safeguards aspects, etc, it was concluded that Sere is the most suitable location for the plant. Based on measurements completed to date at the site, it is expected that the plant will have a load factor of 26 percent. The site is about 40 km from the 132-kV line. Finally, the second component is the 100 MW Upington concentrating solar plant.