Energy

Large energy users are going off-grid.

The Mogalakwena Mine run by Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) is a large energy user. The mine’s concentrator re lies on constant and reliable electricity supply. With energy comprising a significant portion of costs and national utility Eskom experiencing difficulties in terms of its debt and its ability to sup ply reliable power, the mining company is investigating the installation of a large solar PV project. In early 2019 the project was at the “request for interest” stage.

Anglo Platinum has pioneered an underground mining locomotive powered by a fuel cell. Platinum coating greatly enhances the hydrogen absorption capacity of fuel cells. Mining group Exxaro is sponsoring the roll-out of alternative energy near its remote Tshikondeni mine east of Musina.

Implats is already using natural gas to supply its refinery in Springs. Phase one of the project will see 20 Doosan fuel cells generating 8MW of power. The long-term goal is to generate 22-30MW.

The huge Eskom project at Medupi power station is over budget and behind in implementation. Three of the plant’s six units are operating (although there have been some problems) and two more will come on stream in 2019. When the plant is completed, the Lephalale area will become a petrochemical hub and energy complex.

An Energy and Metallurgical Cluster is an important component of the new Special Economic Zone that has recently been approved at

Limpopo Projects

Project MW

Tom Burke Solar Park 60MW

Witkop Solar 29.68MW

Location Operational

Lephalale, August 2016 Waterberg DM Polokwane September 2014

Soutpan Solar Park 28MW Blouberg, Capricorn DM SOURCE: IPPPP, Provincial Report IV, March 2017.

July 2014

ONLINE RESOURCES The provincial government's Green Economy Plan has identified solar National Department of Energy: www.energy.gov.za and biomass as the main kinds of renewable energy for Limpopo. With huge silicon reserves in the province, there is also potential to produce Southern African Biofuels Association: www.saba.za.org solar panels and solar charges for cell phones. South African Photovoltaic Industry Association: Nine biogas digesters have been installed in the Vhembe District to be www.sapvia.co.za controlled by young entrepreneurs trained by the University of Venda. A group of 31 students is studying Energy Management Systems as part of the provincial plan. Online resources 59 National Department of Energy: www.energy.gov.za Southern African Biofuels Association: www.saba.za.org South African Photovoltaic Industry Association: www.sapvia.co.za

SECTOR INSIGHTS

The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will be a power generator.

Musina-Makhado in the far north of the province.

The two local municipalities have been allocated R147-million by provincial government for infrastructure upgrades, including electricity.

The National Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Pro curement Pro gr amme (REIPPPP) has been very successful so far. The three photovoltaic solar projects located in Limpopo have a combined investment value of R3.6-billion.

The provincial government’s Green Economy Plan has identified solar and biomass as the main kinds of renewable energy for Limpopo. With huge silicon reserves in the province, there is also potential to produce solar panels and solar chargers for cell phones.

Nine biogas digesters have been installed in the Vhembe District to be controlled by young entrepreneurs trained by the University of Venda. A group of 31 students is studying Energy Management Systems as part of the provincial plan.