Power utility Eskom has launched construction of a new R1.2 billion solar power plant at Lethabo Power Station
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
Power utility Eskom has launched construction of a new R1.2 billion solar power plant at Lethabo Power Station in the Free State, marking a major step in its renewable energy plans.
The 75MW solar project is expected to generate enough electricity to supply around 60,000 households and forms part of Eskom’s wider strategy to add cleaner energy to the national grid while strengthening long-term energy security.
According to the utility, the project is part of a wider plan to add more renewable energy at its power stations. It says using existing infrastructure will help save time and lower costs.
“Last week we celebrated 365 days without loadshedding, as a result of the focused delivery over the past three years of the generation recovery plan by our skilled employees," Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said.
"Now that we have delivered a stable electricity platform for the South African economy to grow from, we can seamlessly enable the integration of renewable energy sources as required by the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to maintain future energy security,”.
The utility also said it is one of 17 high-priority projects planned across its existing power stations. It said these projects are part of efforts to add more renewable and storage capacity while using current infrastructure to speed up delivery.
"It is one of 17 high‑priority projects that will be implemented across Eskom’s existing coal‑fired power station footprint, with construction expected to commence between now and 2028. Collectively, these projects are expected to deliver approximately 6GW of new capacity by 2030".
"These developments will be strategically located at power stations including Arnot, Duvha, Majuba, Tutuka, Lethabo, Komati, Kendal, Kusile, Hendrina, Camden and Grootvlei, leveraging existing infrastructure to accelerate deployment, reduce costs and strengthen grid resilience
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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