Total Energies has unveiled plans to build groundbreaking 216 MW solar plant in South Africa.
Considering its recent struggles, South Africa’s power sector is about to take some much needed win and possibly experience a significant shift.
French energy giant Total Energies has set the wheels in motion for a 216-megawatt solar power plant with integrated battery storage. The project is a major step towards diversifying the nation’s energy mix and tackling its crippling power crisis.
The project, nestled in the Northern Cape province, aims to not only provide continuous green electricity but also boost the resilience of the national grid. The 500-megawatt-hour battery storage system addresses this crucial element. It will ensure electricity flows even when the sun dips below the horizon.
Total Energies is spearheading the consortium. With a 35% stake, it has partnered with Hydra Storage Holding (35%) and Reatile Renewables (30%). This collaborative effort demonstrates the growing understanding of the vital role that partnerships play in building efficient and sustainable energy solutions across Africa.
What does Total Energies’ solar plant mean for the power sector in South Africa?
The project is promising and will no doubt have a considerable impact on the nation’s economy. According to the South African power utility Eskom, each megawatt can power approximately 650 homes. Multiply that by 216, and you’re looking at potential electricity access for over 140,000 households. This is a significant contribution to illuminating South African homes.
Furthermore, this initiative aligns perfectly with South Africa’s ambitious renewable energy goals. The country is pushing hard to overcome its dependence on ageing coal-fired plants and transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
“This project will not only contribute to the country’s energy transition. It will also strengthen the resilience of its power system,” emphasizes Vincent Stoquart. The Senior Vice President for Renewables at TotalEnergies.
This sentiment echoes South Africa’s energy minister Gwede Mantashe’s statement. There are about 90 operational renewable energy projects already adding 6,180 MW of capacity to the grid, representing around 25% of the nation’s current demand.
South Africa is also making a push for more sustainable power
The news of Total Energies’ project doesn’t stand alone. Just the day before, South Africa launched bidding rounds for a staggering 7,615 MW of new power generators. This is expected to come from diverse sources like renewable energy, natural gas, and battery storage.
This surge in activity underscores the country’s unwavering commitment to diversifying its energy mix. Hopefully, in the near future, it will be able to leave behind the shackles of unreliable and polluting coal-based power.
Total Energies’ hybrid renewables project is more than just a power plant. It is a symbol of hope and progress. It showcases the immense potential of renewable energy. And will come in handy to help illuminate homes, bolster economies, and pave the way for a cleaner future.
As South Africa pushes forward with its ambitious energy transition plans, projects like this become beacons of inspiration, demonstrating that a brighter, more sustainable energy future is indeed within reach.
Obinabo Tochukwu Tabansi is a supply chain mastro and writer with a decade of experience working in different facets of the supply chain. Today he is living his passion for writing on all things supply chain. His blog, Supply Chain Nuggets, is Africa’s fastest-rising supply chain blog, helping professionals, business owners, and curious minds navigate the supply chain complexities on the continent.
