- UAE-based independent power producer (IPP) Amea Power has been awarded the construction of a 120 MWp solar power plant in Doornhoek, South Africa, in a consortium with local investors.
- The project will require an investment of $120 million.
Amea Power, 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 contract was obtained through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program’s sixth round of bidding (REIPPP). Amea Power collaborates with regional financiers, such as female-owned businesses Ziyanda Energy and Dzimuzwo Consulting.
Midway through 2023, Amea Power intends to begin building the Doornhoek solar PV project using 45% locally produced materials and resources. The project will cost $120 million to complete. A 20-year power purchase agreement will be used to sell the generated electricity to the state-owned utility Eskom (PPA). The solar energy facility in Doornhoek will be able to generate 325 GWh of clean electricity annually. Over the same period, the park will also help offset at least 290,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2). The solar park installation 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 11% to 41% by 2030.
South Africa relies on coal for 80% of its electricity production. Eskom plans to retire 8 GW and 12 GW of coal-fired power plants over the next decade. Renewable energy plants will replace this installed capacity.