24-2883-AUTH Erfdeel BESS Facility Environmental Services)

Erfdeel BESS (Pty) Ltd proposes the construction and operation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated Electrical Grid Infrastructure (EGI) on a site located near Welkom, on portions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6, RE of farm Erfdeel within Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Free State. The BESS will help regulate the power coming in from Eskom, and store and supply dispatchable energy.
Following the completion of the specialist studies for the project, it has been determined that the Erfdeel BESS (Pty) Ltd could be registered in terms of the provisions of the BESS Exclusion Norm gazetted in GNR49788 of 30 November 2023. A separate environmental permitting process will be undertaken for the grid connection infrastructure to facilitate a separate authorisation and handover to Eskom following the completion of construction.

The key components of the BESS site 1 and associated infrastructure are as follows:
• Footprint Area: Less than 20 hectares (~440m x 440m)
• Height: Battery Array <10m
• Height: Substation & Powerline <25m
• Voltage: 132 kV
• Power Output: 123 MW
• Energy Capacity: 492 MWh
• Chemistry: Lithium Ion
• Construction Duration: 18 - 24 months
Province(s): Free State