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South Africa

The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Program was launched by the Government in 2011. To date, close to 9 GW of renewable energy has been procured by the Government, of which 1.5 GW is solar. The country aims to install more than 8 GW of solar by 2030. Scatec entered the South African market in 2010. With 448 MW in operation Scatec is the leading solar player in the country.
We develop new projects across Africa from our offices in Cape Town. This is also our engineering hub and our 24/7 operated global Control & Monitoring centre is located here.

Kenhardt 1-3, South Africa, 540 MW

Under construction

After reaching financial close in July 2022, Scatec started construction of the three Kenhardt projects totalling 540 MW solar and 225 MW/1,140 MWh battery storage. The projects were awarded by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in South Africa under the technology agnostic Risk Mitigation Power Procurement Programme and located in the sundrenched Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The project has a total capex of about ZAR 16.4 billion (USD 962 million) to be financed by equity from the owners and nonrecourse project debt.

The power will be sold under a 20-year PPA. The project is expected to be funded by project finance debt from a consortium of commercial banks and Development Finance Institutions with expected debt leverage of 80%. Scatec will own 51 % of the equity in the project with H1 Holdings, our local Black Economic Empowerment partner owning 49%.

REIPPPP Round 5, South Africa, 273 MW

Project in backlog

In October 2021, Scatec was awarded preferred bidder status on three solar projects totalling 273 MW by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in South Africa under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). The power produced will be sold under 20-year PPAs.

Scatec will own 51% of the equity in the projects with H1 Holdings, our local Black Economic Empowerment partner owning 46,5% and a Community Trust holding 2.5%. Scatec will be the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) provider and provide Operation & Maintenance as well as Asset Management services to the power plants. The estimated total capex for the project is USD 207 million.

Upington, South Africa, 258 MW

In operation

The three solar power plants are situated on adjacent plots, 25 km outside of Upington in the Northern Cape. Scatec was awarded preferred bidder status for the Upington project in the fourth bidding round under REIPPP in 2015. The projects hold 20-year PPAs with Eskom, the national utility company. The equity partners for all three solar plants are Norfund, BEE Industrial (H1) and BEE Trust. Lenders are Standard bank + syndicate lenders.

On 2 February 2023, Scatec signed an agreement to sell its 42% equity share in the 258 MW Upington solar power plant. Scatec will continue to provide Operations & Maintenance and Asset Management services to the power plant.

Kalkbult, South Africa, 75 MW

In operation

The Kalkbult plant, situated in the Northern Cape region, is one of the largest solar plants in South Africa. The first project commissioned under Round 1 REIPPP in March 2014, and was the first REIPPP project to be grid connected and operational in South Africa.
It is the only fixed tilt plant in the portfolio, with an exceptional production record contributing to regional growth and portfolio performance. The project holds a 20-year PPA with Eskom, the national utility company. The equity partners are Stanlib, Old Mutual, Simacel and Community Trust. Lenders are Standard Bank + syndicate lenders.

Dreunberg, South Africa, 75 MW

In operation

Dreunberg is situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Commissioned in December 2014, Dreunberg was the second project won under Round 2 of the REIPPP Program. As a tracking plant, it yields the highest production in the South African portfolio. The project holds a 20-year PPA with Eskom, the national utility company. The equity partners are Stanlib, Simacel, Community Trust. Lenders are Standard Bank + syndicate lenders.

Linde, South Africa, 40 MW

In operation

Situated in the arid, Karoo, region of the Northern Cape; Linde benefits from extremely high levels of irradiation. Linde was commissioned in July 2014, three months before scheduled deadline. As an early generator, electricity was sold to the utility and provided to households earlier than anticipated. The project holds a 20-year PPA with Eskom, the national utility company. The equity partners are Stanlib, Old Mutual, Simacel and Community Trust. Lenders are Standard Bank + syndicate lenders.