Ongoing Solar Projects Promote IPP Success

Global private engineering and technology company Sener and its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partners, Emvelo and Cobra, are scheduled to complete the EPC of the 100 MW Ilanga solar thermal power plant, near Upington, in the Northern Cape, at the end of 2018.

- Sascha-Lee Solomons

The company believes that the estimated R194-billion that has already been invested as a result of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), which is expected to increase to over R255-billion on financial close of projects in Bid Windows 4 and 4.5, is evidence that the REIPPPP has been quite successful.

Sener has already made a significant contribution to the REIPPPP through the 50 MW Bokpoort concentrated solar power plant, located near Groblershoop, in the Northern Cape, which was completed in 2016. The Bokpoort project, which was recently awarded the 2016 Best Renewable Energy Project award by the South African Energy Association set an African record for continuously supplying electricity for 24 hours a day.

Owing to this, it is considered a pioneer in South Africa’s renewable-energy sector in addition to its contribution to socioeconomic development.

“The REIPPPP has, to date, been one of the most successful IPP programmes in the renewables space globally, which has triggered interest from foreign renewable energy companies to invest in South Africa,” says Sener Southern Africa regional MD Siyabonga Mbanjwa.

Engineering News reported last month that Sener had also secured a contract for the construction of the 100 MW Kathu solar project, in the Northern Cape. Construction on this project is currently in progress and will be completed in December 2018.