Private small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) continues apace in South Africa, with recent reports indicating an uptick in specifically solar projects.
A newly released Status of Embedded Generation in South African Municipalities report shows that according to SAPVIA’s Solar PV Installed Capacity Data Dashboard, by the end of the first quarter of 2023, more than 5,658MWp of solar PV had been installed in SA.
And an Eskom study – monitoring the change in system demand due to solar radiation variations – estimates similar figures for the first quarter of 2023.
Their study indicated that by March 2023, 3,243MWp of solar PV had been installed. By September 2023, this figure had grown to 4,883MWp, and increasing monthly at an average rate of 273MWp.
The 4,883MWp of installed solar PV capacity measured by September 2023 reflects private solar for embedded generation (EG) and wheeling.
Eskom estimates that about 2.5GWp is private wheeling, leaving approximately 2,383MWp as embedded solar PV.
Telecoms giant to add to solar projects
Set to add to this figure is MTN South Africa through its Solar Renewable Energy Project.
The telecoms company recently announced that more than 50% of the project has been completed.
“MTN has switched on 5,418 solar panels out of the planned 9,000. This phased approach will inject 700kW into the 14th Avenue micro-grid, making the head office 40% less reliant from municipal grid.
“The aim is to inject a total of 1,800kW by the end of February, with the battery storage facility set to be installed by end-March.”
MTN, as a standalone Independent Power Producer (IPP), is deploying five different generation technologies in a singular plant at its head office in Fairlands, Johannesburg.
“In 2023, MTN initiated the phase one of its solar renewable energy project, transforming the head office into a Solar Park with 4.9MW of solar PV and 2MW of battery energy.
“This strategic move not only positioned MTN as a significant IPP, but also promised substantial annual energy consumption savings of 9,300,000 kWh and a reduction in CO2 emissions by 9,672 tons.”
The head office now boasts multiple energy sources, including municipal/Eskom grid, gas generators, diesel generators, solar PV and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
“MTN SA set its sights on achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, a decade ahead of industry objectives.
“The Solar Park, a 4.9MW solar embedded generation plant, and the groundbreaking Island Mode Project, which will see MTN leveraging a combination of gas, solar, battery and diesel technologies working in cohesion to create a micro-grid are pivotal in positioning MTN to go off the grid during load shedding,” said Charles Molapisi, CEO at MTN South Africa.
Anticipated completion of the Island Mode Project is set for April 2024, combining solar, battery storage, gas trigeneration, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and diesel generators.
