By Marnely Arnoldi.
Independent power producer Mainstream Renewable Power has started commercial operations at the 97.6 MW Damlaagte solar PV facility, near Parys, in the Free State.
The facility will provide about 270-million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity through the grid during its first year of operation and is set to be operational for 20 years.
Damlaagte marks the first renewable-energy project to supply power under a joint procurement programme by Mainstream Renewable Energy strategic partners Air Liquide and Sasol.
The Damlaagte facility is owned by Mainstream Renewable Power, uBuzwe Energy and Thembelihle Trust, and will supply clean electricity to Sasol’s Secunda site, where Air Liquide operates the world’s largest oxygen production site.
Mainstream Renewable Power Africa GM Hein Reyneke says more of these types of agreements can resolve the country’s energy constraints in an effective and cost-efficient manner.
Sasol, meanwhile, has secured more than 900 MW of renewable energy for its operations, with the aim of procuring up to 2 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
Air Liquide comments that Damlaagte reaching commercial operation is a major milestone for the company to achieve decarbonisation of its operations in Secunda. Air Liquide aims to reduce CO2 emissions from the site by between 30% and 40% by 2031.
Construction of the Damlaagte facility started in November 2023, having employed almost 2 000 people from nearby communities such as Tumahole, Schonkenville and Vredefort.
Reyneke concludes that Mainstream Renewable Power is well positioned as a partner of choice for more private power purchase agreements.