TotalEnergies launches solar and battery storage project in South Africa

TotalEnergies, in collaboration with its partners, has commenced the construction of a substantial hybrid renewable energy project in South Africa, combining a 216 MW solar plant with a 500 MWh battery storage system. Located in the Northern Cape province, this innovative project is set to supply dispatchable renewable electricity to the South African national grid for twenty years, generating over 400 GWh annually.

Under a Power Purchase Agreement signed in November, the project aims to deliver 75 MW of dispatchable power continuously to Eskom, the national utility, from 5 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. This coverage exceeds the duration of sunlight, showcasing the advanced capabilities of the battery storage system in managing the intermittency of solar production.

The project is a collaborative effort between TotalEnergies (holding a 35% stake), Hydra Storage Holding (also with a 35% stake), and a B-BBEE partner, Reatile Renewables (30%). Achieving financial closure on 14 December, the project is expected to be operational by 2025. It forms part of the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme initiated by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to expand electricity generation capacity and alleviate South Africa’s electricity supply constraints.

Major Renewable Energy Development in South Africa by TotalEnergies with Solar Plant and Battery System

Vincent Stoquart, Senior Vice President of Renewables at TotalEnergies, expressed enthusiasm about the project. “Together with our partners, we are pleased to launch this major solar power generation and storage project in South Africa. Thanks to its innovative hybrid design, it will enable us to supply continuous green electricity over a longer period and beyond the hours of sunshine. This project will not only contribute to the country’s energy transition but also to strengthening the resilience of its power system,” he stated.

This groundbreaking initiative by TotalEnergies and its partners is a significant step in South Africa’s journey towards sustainable energy. It exemplifies how innovative solutions in renewable energy can offer reliable and continuous power supply, contributing to the country’s commitment to an environmentally sustainable future and bolstering the resilience of its power infrastructure.