Mainstream- Bultfontein Solar PV Cluster, Free State

South Africa Mainstream Renewable Power Developments (Pty) Ltd (Mainstream) is proposing to develop 8 x 100 megawatt (MW) and 1 x 160 MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Facilities (SEFs) and associated infrastructure, including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), near the town of Bultfontein, Free State Province.

The overall objective of the proposed SEFs is to generate electricity by means of renewable energy technology, capturing solar energy to feed into the national grid. The proposed development is collectively known as the “Bultfontein Solar PV Cluster”, with a total combined generation capacity of up to 960 MW.

The nine SEF projects which make up the Bultfontein Solar PV Cluster include the following:
• 160 MW Kganya SEF
• 100 MW Diboko SEF
• 100 MW Sungazer SEF
• 100 MW Letsha SEF
• 100 MW Kabelo SEF
• 100 MW Baatsheba SEF
• 100 MW Mohlolo SEF
• 100 MW Kamva SEF
• 100 MW Agama SEF

Nine separate applications for Environmental Authorisation (EA) have been submitted for the above- mentioned SEF projects, 1 for each SEF making up the Bultfontein Solar PV Cluster.

It should be noted that six of the nine SEF projects which make up the Bultfontein Solar PV Cluster are located entirely within a Renewable Energy Development Zone (REDZ), namely Kimberley REDZ have recieved Environmental Authorisation (EA). These include the Sungazer; Baatsheba; Kamva; Agama; Kganya and Mohlolo SEF projects. Full Scoping & Environmental Impact Assessment (S&EIA) processes are required for the remaining three SEF projects falling outside of the REDZ. These include the Diboko; Kabelo and Letsha SEF projects.

The proposed Diboko, Kabelo and Letsha SEF projects require Environmental Authorisations (EAs) from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Mainstream appointed SLR Consulting (South Africa) Pty Ltd as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the required S&EIAs for the proposed projects.

Status

Notice is hereby given, in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998), that the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report (FEIAr) prepared for the above-mentioned projects were submitted to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for decision.

The reports are available for download below for information purposes.

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