The Proposed Thakadu Solar Power Plant Grid Connection Corridor near Viljoenskroon, Free State Province

The Applicant, Thakadu Solar Power Plant (RF) (Pty) Ltd, proposes the development of grid connection infrastructure to connect two facilities known as the Thakadu Solar Power Plant (previously known as the Nyarhi Solar Power Plant with a DFFE Ref.: 14/16/12/3/3/1/2533 and Thakadu Solar Power Plant with a DFFE Ref.: 14/12/16/3/3/1/2476) and allow for the evacuation of electricity generated to the national grid via the Eskom Vaal Reefs Eleven Substation and Mercury Main Transmission Substation (MTS). The grid connection infrastructure includes up to two 132 kV single or double circuit overhead power lines and a 132 kV substation. The Thakadu Grid Connection Corridor Project is located approximately 28 km northwest of the town of Viljoenskroon and falls within the Moqhaka Local Municipality and the greater Fezile Dabi District Municipality of the Free State Province.

A connection corridor with a length of up to 4.5 km and a width of up to 2.4 km has been identified for assessment and for the placement of the grid connection infrastructure. The physical development footprint of the preferred grid connection corridor will be further reduced and restricted to power line pylon footprints only.

The associated Grid Infrastructure further includes the development of substations /switching stations located at the authorised Solar Power Plants (SPP’s) with a physical footprint of up to 1.5 ha per IPP step-up and Eskom switching/collector station as well as up to two single or double circuit overhead power lines, supporting infrastructure (i.e. operations and maintenance buildings, switch gear and relay room, staff lockers and changing room, security control and offices), laydown areas and access roads.

The entire extent of the development is located within the Central Strategic Transmission Corridor and the Klerksdorp Renewable Energy Development Zone (REDZ).
The grid connection corridor has been identified as the most feasible option due to the short corridor length and the specific connection point, the existing Eskom Vaal Reefs Eleven Substation and Mercury Main Transmission Substation (MTS,) that must be utilised to connect into the national grid. The grid connection corridor is also determined based on the location and requirements of the authorised SPPs.
Province(s): Free State