Scatec ASA Unveils Massive 540 MW Solar and Battery Facility in South Africa

Scatec ASA, a Norwegian renewable energy company, has officially introduced its 540 MW Kenhardt hybrid solar and battery facility in the Northern Cape, South Africa. The project, comprising three sub-projects (Kenhardt 1-3), has a total installed capacity of 540MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) and 225MW of batteries with a storage capacity of 1.14GWh. It consists of one million solar panels and 456 battery units, covering 879 hectares (more than 1,500 soccer fields).

The project had a total capital expenditure of approximately R19 billion and provided jobs for 2,500 people during construction. The Kenhardt 1-3 power project will supply 150MW consistently between 05:00 and 21:30 throughout the year to Eskom, South Africa's national utility company, daily under a 20-year agreement.

Why this matters: The Kenhardt project is seen as a vital component of South Africa's energy and renewables future, as it demonstrates the competitiveness of renewables in providing firm and baseload power. The project is the largest solar-plus-storage facility in the Southern Hemisphere and is a significant step in addressing South Africa's energy security challenges, which have led to frequent load shedding events.

The South African government is working to accelerate the development of renewable energy and transmission infrastructure to take advantage of the country's renewable energy potential. The project is part of the global growth in renewable energy, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV), which has led to a manufacturing overcapacity and a nearly 50% drop in PV module prices.

The introduction of the Kenhardt hybrid solar and battery facility by Scatec ASA signifies a major milestone in South Africa's transition to clean energy. With a total installed capacity of 540MW of solar PV and 225MW/1.14GWh of battery storage, the project will provide much-needed dispatchable electricity to Eskom under a 20-year agreement. The significant investment and job creation during construction emphasize the economic benefits of renewable energy development in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Scatec ASA introduces 540MW solar + 225MW/1.14GWh battery facility in South Africa.
• Project cost ~R19 billion and created 2,500 jobs during construction.
• Facility will supply 150MW of power to Eskom daily under a 20-year agreement.
• Largest solar-plus-storage facility in the Southern Hemisphere, addressing energy security.
• Project demonstrates competitiveness of renewables in providing firm and baseload power.