Small hydro PPA signed for project in South Africa

Building Energy, an integrated renewable energy developer based in Italy, is to build a 4.7 MW mini hydro plant in Free State Province in South Africa, after signing a power purchase agreement with the country’s state-owned utility Eskom Holdings on 4 April. The project, in Kruisvallei, will be developed on a build, own and operate basis.

The company had been awarded preferred bidder status in April 2015 under Round 4 of the South African Department of Energy’s Renewable Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme for the hydro project and a 147 MW wind project in Roggeveld, on the border between Northern and Western Cape Provinces.

The Kruisvallei hydroelectric plant will generate around 28 GWh/year, equivalent to the supply needs of more than 2330 households, according to the Italian independent power producer. In addition, the plant will save atmospheric emissions of more than 23 800 tonnes of CO2 per year.