South Africa to start salt smelting at Kathu Solar Park plant project

South Africa through the engineering and technology group SENER and ACCIONA Industrial has initiated the salt melting process at the Kathu Solar Park Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant which will be used to store heat from the solar field that can later be recovered to produce steam and generate electricity in the absence of solar radiation, extending the operational capacity of the plant after sunset and during cloudy weather.

SENER Regional MD in Southern Africa, Siyabonga Mbanjwa said this was a relevant milestone, adding that thanks to the molten salt storage system, that allows 4.5 hours of thermal energy storage, the Kathu Solar Park CSP Plant will supply clean energy to 179,000 homes.

Kathu Solar Park

Kathu Solar Park is one of the awarded projects in bid window 3.5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) led by the South African Department of Energy (DOE). The CSP plant will not only supply power during sunny periods, but also when needed to satisfy peak demand, without the expense of battery storage.

It is estimated that the Kathu Solar Park will save six million tonnes of CO2 over 20 years and will further promote local economic development through the KSP trust and the Kelebogile Trust, which has invested significantly in the local community.

”SENER’s aim is to provide the most innovative technology, being compliant with Health and Safety stringent standards, to ensure outstanding performance and thermal stability for a reliable and sustained energy supply,” said Mbanjwa.

Joint venture

The joint venture between SENER and ACCIONA Industrial was appointed by the ENGIE (engie-africa.com) led consortium to provide engineering, procurement and construction services for the project. Construction started on site in May 2016 and is due for completion within the next few months. Approximately 1,400 jobs are being created during the construction phase.