THE PROPOSED BOTHAVILLE SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY AND GRID CONNECTION INFRASTRUCTURE NEAR BOTHAVILLE, FREE STATE PROVINCE

Bothaville Solar (Pty) Ltd proposes the construction of a photovoltaic (PV) solar facility and associated grid connection infrastructure on surrounding properties located within the Nala Local Municipality within the Lejweleputswa District Municipality. The town of Bothaville is located approximately 11 km northeast of the proposed SEF. The proposed development is subject to an independent Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment (S&EIA) process.

The proposed development comprises the construction of an up to 100 MW Photovoltaic Solar Energy Facility (SEF), including associated infrastructure (on-site substation, Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS), internal and perimeter access roads, operational and management buildings, temporary and permanent laydown areas, etc.). The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) footprint will be approximately 420 hectares in extent.

Energy generated by the facility will be evacuated into the National Grid via a 132 kV gridline connecting to the existing Balkfontein Pumps Substation. The powerline will be up to 1 km in length within a 200 m wide assessment corridor.

The proposed development traverses several properties. The affected properties include Remaining Extent of Farm Balkfontein No. 224, Portion 3 of Farm Balkfontein No. 224, Portion 10 of Farm Balkfontein No. 224 and Farm Balkfontein No. 1213.