The Kathu plant is equipped with a molten salt storage system that provides 4.5 hours of thermal storage, allowing plant operation after sunset. It also employs SENERtrough®-2 collectors, a parabolic trough technology designed and patented by SENER aimed at improving efficiency.
Kathu solar park was a winning project in the third round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) led by the South African Department of Energy.
The joint venture between SENER and ACCIONA Industrial was appointed by an ENGIE led consortium to provide EPC services for the project. Construction started on site in May 2016 and is due for completion in late 2018.