An updated review of South African CSP projects under the renewable energy independent power producer procurement programme (REIPPPP)

Abstract

Seven Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) projects, collectively amounting to 600 MW of installed capacity, have been awarded for implementation in South Africa as part of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) [1]. Four of these projects (300 MW) are currently operational, two more (200 MW) are currently under construction and one (100 MW) is in the pre-financial close phase [1]. Mott MacDonald has a Technical Advisory role on all seven South African CSP projects supporting the Lenders or the Owners and has been closely involved in the development, construction, and operation phases of each of these projects. Previous work completed in 2015 [2], focused on the requirements within the REIPPPP and how these affected project design and implementation. This paper builds on this work and focusses on providing an updated view of the program and highlights several challenges and learnings experienced to date.