The Proposed Taurus Solar Power Plant near Potchefstroom, North West Province

Subsolar Energy (Pty) Ltd is proposing the construction of up to four (4) photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facilities on properties located within the JB Marks Local Municipality and larger Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, North West Province. The projects, collectively known as the Taurus Solar Cluster, are located within close proximity to one another and are therefore described in this combined Background Information Document (BID). All four projects are subject to independent Basic Assessment or Environmental Impact Assessment Processes.

The proposed Taurus Solar Power Plant development is located on Portion 85 of the Farm Hartebeestpoortje 451 IQ, Portion 12 of the Farm Hartebeestfontein 437 IQ and the Remaining Extent of the Farm Hartebeestfontein 437 IQ. The facility will have a contracted capacity of up to 300 MW and cover an extend of up to 750 ha.

The town of Potchefstroom is located approximately 17km west of the proposed cluster developments. The solar PV facilities will comprise several arrays of PV panels and associated infrastructure. The cluster of Solar Energy Facilities (SEFs) will each include the following infrastructure:

» PV modules and mounting structures
» Inverters and transformers
» Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
» Site and internal access roads
» Operation and Maintenance buildings including a gate house and security building, control centre, offices, warehouses and workshops for storage and maintenance.
» Temporary and permanent laydown area
» Facility grid connection infrastructure, including:
• Cabling and/or powerlines between the project components and the facility substations
• On-site facility substations

Province(s): North West