South Africa Announces Preferred Bidders for Renewable Energy and Battery Storage Projects
Source：solarquarter
The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Hon. Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, unveiled the Preferred Bidders under the 7th Bid Window of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) and the 2nd Bid Window of the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP).
A total of 16 projects were selected across the two programmes, with significant investments aimed at bolstering South Africa’s renewable energy capacity and grid resilience.
REIPPPP Bid Window 7: Solar Projects Dominate
Eight Solar PV projects, with a combined capacity of 1,760 MW, were awarded Preferred Bidder status under the REIPPPP Bid Window 7. These projects, part of a procurement round that aimed to secure 5,000 MW of renewable capacity, represent a total investment of R31.4 billion.
The selected Solar PV projects include:
- Highveld Solar Consortium (Mpumalanga): 240 MW
- Palladium Solar 1 Consortium (Limpopo): 240 MW
- Copper Solar 1 Consortium (Limpopo): 240 MW
- Vanadium Solar 1 Consortium (Limpopo): 150 MW
- Middlepunt Solar PV (Free State): 240 MW
- Mercury Solar PV 2 (Free State): 240 MW
- Onderstepoort Solar 1 Consortium (North West): 220 MW
- Onderstepoort Solar 2 Consortium (North West): 190 MW
These projects promise significant socio-economic contributions, including the creation of 6,971 job opportunities and R7.8 billion allocated to local content during construction. Additionally, R3 billion will be spent on Black Enterprise Procurement, with substantial support for Black Women and Qualifying Small Enterprises.
BESIPPPP Bid Window 2: Battery Storage Gains Traction
Under the BESIPPPP Bid Window 2, eight battery storage projects were selected with a total contracted capacity of 615 MW. These projects, representing a combined investment of R12.8 billion, aim to strengthen grid stability in the North West, Gauteng, and Free State provinces.
Notable projects include:
- Oasis Ararat (North West): 77 MW
- Rooikoppies BESS (North West): 77 MW
- Mulilo Mercury BESS (Free State): 76 MW
- Welverdiend BESS (Gauteng): 77 MW
- Hartebeesfontein BESS (Free State): 77 MW
- Gainfar Project (Free State): 77 MW
- Leeuwpoort BESS (Gauteng): 77 MW
- Boitekong Project (Free State): 77 MW
These projects emphasize local participation, with 41% black shareholding and a commitment to 1,570 job opportunities during construction and operations.
A Step Towards Energy Transformation
Both programmes highlight South Africa’s commitment to a just energy transition. The selected projects align with national priorities for job creation, local economic participation, and support for historically disadvantaged groups.
Dr. Ramokgopa congratulated the Preferred Bidders, emphasizing their role in shaping South Africa’s clean energy future and wished them success in achieving Commercial Close.