Renewable Energy
Location: Kenhardt, Northern Cape, South Africa
Client: Scatec
Owner: Scatec
Total Solar Capacity: 540 MW
Battery Storage: 150 MW
Power Generation: Solar Farm employing Flat-Panel PV Technology
Peak Manpower: 1,000 (30% of workforce were women)
Construction Timeline: This began in July 2022 and was completed in December 2023.
Scope:
Procurement, civil work and electrical works. The key components of the electrical works include the installation and termination of various cables, installation of transformers and inverters, setting up communication networks, and preparing for commissioning, both cold and hot. Additionally, the project involves medium voltage reticulation for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Description:
The Kenhardt project, with its considerable 540 MW of solar power and substantial 225 MW / 1,140 MWh of battery storage capacity, stands as one of the foremost large-scale hybrid renewable energy installations worldwide. The initiative was propelled forward with the approval of South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, becoming part of the RMIPPP (technology agnostic) program. The complex is made up of three solar power stations, collectively dubbed Kenhardt Solar Power Plants 1, 2, and 3. Each power station contributes 180 MW, integrating into a combined capacity of 540 MW. The complex harbours around 2 million solar photovoltaic units.
Through this expansive renewable energy framework, the Kenhardt Solar Power Stations are primed to play a pivotal role in advancing South Africa’s energy sustainability and stability while contributing significantly to local economic empowerment.
