The land, that HDF Energy has leased, represents six separate places where 1500 MW of solar plants will be installed, along with more than 3500 MWh of hydrogen-based long-term storage, to provide year-round, 24/7 service to more than 1.4 million people. Three billion dollars have been invested in these initiatives.
In April 2022, Eskom published a request for proposals (RFP), which was followed by a careful selection procedure. 6184 hectares of land will be leased by the chosen bidders for a term of 25 to 30 years apiece.
There is a lot at risk because Mpumalanga is the hub of the JET in South Africa. Regarding communities and employees who have relied on the continuous existence of the coal business, it is extremely important how the energy transition is to be managed. HDF has a bankable solution that can significantly and meaningfully contribute to that process.
While coal power facilities are expected to be retired, energy demand is rising. A difficult balancing act is in progress. Since time is of the essence, new capabilities should be quickly implemented. This is the point at which HDF’s Renewable® technology really shines.
“This is an incredibly exciting outcome, and the team is more than prepared to get started right now. The HDF Energy projects in South Africa will launch the large-scale industrial deployment of the hydrogen economy in the nation and create jobs in Mpumalanga for the workers of the coal industry in the transition while addressing immediate challenges related to the lack of baseload and dispatchable electricity. According to Nicolas Lecomte, director of HDF for Southern Africa.
The grid will become more reliable thanks to the HDF’s Renewable® architecture, which will supply steady and dispatchable power. A Renewstable® power plant employs clean energy from nearby sources to boost domestic electricity output, lowering reliance on imported fuels, associated price volatility, and supply threats.