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six independent power producers (IPPs) will develop a solar PV power station in Gauteng which is expected to generate at least 800MW.
The solar farm will spread across at least a reported 1,500 ha of land made available by mining giant Sibanye-Stillwater.
"We are pleased to announce that the long-term plan with Sibanye-Stillwater Board, has approved the land leases of the appointed six independent power producers who will develop a photovoltaic power station, also known as a solar farm cluster, in the Merafong Local Municipality," said Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during the recent State of the Province Address.
"This is designed to harvest at least 800MW of solar power and supply it to the electricity grid, which will be a gamechanger for our province."
Lesufi said the province is expected to add at least 100MW to the grid from April.
"This is an initiative of the [provincial government] implemented by City Power on our behalf using the Open Cycle Gas Turbine technology facilities in Johnware and Durban Street. This will be available from the 1st of April 2024.
Measures being taken to mitigate impact of loadshedding on people of Gauteng
"We will continue to expand to 300MW in the new financial year. This investment combined with smart meters can generate the megawatts needed to cushion our residents against two stages of loadshedding, a critical step toward energy stability for the nations economic hub," he said.
In the immediate term, the province has moved to protect 21 healthcare facilities from loadshedding with the installation of solar PV and battery storage systems.
A pilot project for a micro-grid in Alexandra township is also being rolled out which, the Premier said, will "provide a stand-alone solution to meet basic power needs for low-income households within townships and informal settlements."
The project is expected to expand to 13 other communities,
The Premier added that the provincial government, together with Eskom and City Power, partnered to deliver 429 transformers to communities.
"To date, 333 have already been installed and switched on, benefitting no less than 32,000 township households. We have impacted the communities of Kagiso, Boiphelong, Doornkop, Orange Farm and others.
"We will intensify this programme until every township and household has been legally switched on, especially Evaton, Ivory Park, Winterveld and many other communities," he said.
Lesufi said loadshedding has had dire consequences on the residents and the economy of Gauteng.
"The protracted electricity crisis has caused significant hardship for people in our province and has had a detrimental effect on the growth of Gautengs economy.
"Power shortages have a negative impact on the availability of healthcare services, food and water, the level of crime, and unemployment rates, amongst others. |
