Scatec Kalkbult
This clean energy generation translates to powering roughly 120 000 South African homes and reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 600 000 tonnes annually
The DBSA played a key role in bringing clean energy to the Northern Cape by supporting the development of three solar photovoltaic plants: Sirius1, Dyason’s Klip 1 and Dyason’s Klip 2. Developed by Scatec Solar under Round 4 of the REIPPPP Programme, each plant boasts an impressive 86 MWp (Megawatt peak) capacity, for a combined total of 258 MWp. This clean energy generation translates to powering roughly 120 000 South African homes and reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 600 000 tonnes annually.
The Kalkbult plant was the first project commissioned under Round 1 of the REIPPP in March 2014, and 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 Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Eskom.
Investment: The total cost of the Project was budgeted at R2.2 billion. The DBSA provided R343 million of the total funding requirement in the form of a senior debt facility of R 248 million and a BEE Equity facility of R105 million.
Location: De Aar, Northern Cape
SDGs and NDP Outcomes impacted: SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
- Technology: 312 000 solar panels mounted on 156 kilometres of substructure linked to inverters
- Installed capacity: 75 MW
- Operational life cycle: 20 years
- Capacity per year: 135 MW
- Annual production: 141GWh
- Reached commercial operation: 31 December 2013
Outcomes
Environmental Impact
- 35 000 homes supplied with electricity • CO2 reduced emissions / CO2 emissions: 48.06 tCO2
Economic Impact
- Local Content Value: R723 million
- Local Content: 40%
- Enterprise development spend in 2023: R173 million
Job Creation
- 315 positions created during construction (citizens)
- 296 full-time, long-term operational jobs (citizens)
Training and Development
- 16 employees trained in 2023.
- Enterprise development spend in 2023: R173 million
Socio-Economic Development Programmes
- 20-year collaboration with local communities and the development of social and economic initiatives in areas such as education and health.
Challenges
- Hazardous Chemical Store: A storage facility has been constructed and appears adequate for project needs.
- Training on Resource Efficiency: Resource management and reporting are ongoing. A checklist and procedure are currently being developed to improve tracking.
De Aar, Northern Cape
258 MWp
20 years
48.06 tCO2
±35 000 homes
R343 Million