The Kenhardt project is one of the world's first and largest hybrid solar and battery storage facilities. With an installed solar capacity of 540 MW and a battery storage capacity of 225MW/1,140MWh, the project delivers 150 MW of dispatchable power from 5 am to 9.30 pm year-round to the national grid under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with Eskom.
With a total investment of approximately $1 billion, the Kenhardt project is the largest commitment in Scatec's history.
“Today, we embark on an exciting journey into a new era of energy solutions” said Terje Pilskog, CEO of Scatec. “The Kenhardt project symbolises not only a technological triumph but a commitment to shaping a sustainable future. This is more than just a power plant; it's a testament to the limitless potential of integrating solar and battery storage to meet the evolving energy needs of today and tomorrow. I would like to congratulate the team of Scatec ‘changemakers’ who have delivered this innovative project on schedule, within budget and with good HSSE performance and thank all partners and stakeholders who have been integral to this success.”
A hybrid solar and battery storage plant integrates solar and battery technologies, overcoming intermittency challenges and bolstering grid stability. With the ability to deliver reliable power in low or no sunlight, the integrated storage enhances overall reliability. Dispatchable power production and releasing stored energy during peak demand make these plants ideal for meeting region-wide energy needs during high consumption periods.
“This isn't just about powering homes; it's about empowering communities” added Jan Fourie, EVP of Sub-Saharan Africa. “The Kenhardt project showcases the resilience and reliability of renewable energy, proving it to be a steadfast source of electricity capacity for the grid. Dispatchable renewables are the future.”
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