Kathu concentrates on 2018

21 May 2017



The 100 MW Kathu parabolic trough CSP (concentrated solar power) facility, employing SENERtrough-2 technology, is expected to be operational in the second half of 2018.


The 100 MW Kathu parabolic trough CSP (concentrated solar power) facility, employing SENERtrough-2 technology, is expected to be operational in the second half of 2018.

The facility has been developed by an ENGIE-led consortium with SENER and ACCIONA responsible for engineering, procurement and construction services.

Construction began following the signing of a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) between ENGIE and Eskom.

The plant, ENGIE’s first foray into the CSP business, will use a molten salt storage system that provides 4.5 hours of thermal energy storage, extending the operational capacity of the plant after sunset.

The consortium, in which ENGIE has a 48.5% share, also includes a group of South African investors comprising SIOC Community Development Trust, Investec, Lereko Metier and the Public Investment Corporation.

The project is funded by a mix of debt and equity. The debt is funded from a club of South African banks, namely Rand Merchant Bank, Nedbank Capital, ABSA Capital, Investec and the Development Bank of South Africa.

The Kathu solar project was awarded preferred bidder status in the third round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) led by the South African Department of Energy. 

Kathu SENERtrough-2 CSP technology, as being deployed in the Kathu solar facility


Linkedin Linkedin   
Privacy Policy
We have updated our privacy policy. In the latest update it explains what cookies are and how we use them on our site. To learn more about cookies and their benefits, please view our privacy policy. Please be aware that parts of this site will not function correctly if you disable cookies. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy unless you have disabled them.