The study is a critical step in the design and deployment the plant. Sasol will use the information from the study to determine how best to deploy BrightSource’s technology in the markets it serves.
”Sasol looks forward to the completion of the FEED study by one of the world’s leading concentrated solar power (CSP) technology providers,” said Henri Loubser, Managing Director of Sasol New Energy.
“South Africa is blessed with an abundance of a natural energy source in the form of sunlight. This CSP project has the potential of significantly expanding Sasol’s new energy portfolio and will in turn contribute to the country’s transition to a low carbon economy,” Loubser said.
To meet its growing clean power demand, South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program, run by the country’s Department of Energy, is targeting the addition of an initial 3,725 megawatts of renewable energy by 2016.
With one of the fastest growing economies in the world, total energy supplies in South Africa are projected to more than double over the next 20 years to more than 85 gigawatts, including the planned development of 18 gigawatts of new renewable energy, according to the integrated resource plan recently adopted by the government.
“Sasol’s selection of BrightSource’s technology represents a significant milestone as we expand our high-efficiency solar thermal power systems globally,” said John Woolard, President and CEO of BrightSource Energy. “Today, South Africa meets more than 85 percent of its power needs with coal. With great solar resources and a need for firm and reliable power to meet its growing industrial power needs, South Africa represents an ideal market for BrightSource’s solar thermal technology. Sasol is a leader in energy innovation and a natural partner as we help South Africa meet its growing demand for clean, cost-effective and reliable power.”
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