UAE-based independent power producer (IPP) Amea Power has been awarded the construction of a 120 MWp solar power plant in South Africa, in a consortium with local investors. The project will require an investment of $120 million.
Good news for Amea Power in South Africa. The Dubai-based independent power producer (IPP) from the United Arab Emirates has been awarded the development, financing and construction of a 120 MWp solar photovoltaic power plant in Doornhoek, a town near the city of Klerksdorp in the North West Province.
This concession is awarded under the sixth round of tenders of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPP). Amea Power is working in consortium with local investors, including women-owned companies Ziyanda Energy and Dzimuzwo Consulting. “To further support South Africa’s development, Amea Power and its partners will form a community trust, which will own a share of the project and contribute to the economic development of the communities near the solar power plant,” says the company led by Hussain Al Nowais.
Construction to start in 2023
Amea Power plans to start construction of the Doornhoek solar PV plant in mid-2023, relying on 45% locally sourced materials and resources. The project will require an investment of $120 million. The electricity generated will be sold to the state-owned utility Eskom under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA).
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The Doornhoek solar power plant will be able to produce 325 GWh of clean electricity per year. The park will also contribute to offsetting at least 290,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2) over the same period. The installation of the solar park will also contribute to the energy policy of the South African authorities who want to increase the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix from the current 11% to 41% by 2030.
South Africa relies on coal for 80% of its electricity production. Eskom plans to retire between 8 GW and 12 GW of coal-fired power plants over the next decade. This installed capacity will be replaced by renewable energy plants.
Jean Marie Takouleu
