Proposed Notsi Internal Overhead Line (OHL) and Associated Infrastructure near Dealesville, Free State Province

The Applicant, Notsi PV (Pty) Ltd, proposes the development of internal grid connection infrastructure and associated infrastructure for the authorised Notsi Photovoltaic (PV) cluster. The project will entail the development of an internal 132kV overhead power line (OHL) and switching substation(s), which is intended to provide an internal connection for the Authorised Notsi PV cluster. The Authorised Notsi PV Cluster consists of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) facilities, which includes Notsi PV 1 (DFFE ref.: 14/12/16/3/3/1/2797), Notsi PV 2 (DFFE ref.: 14/12/16/3/3/1/2798), Notsi PV 3 (DFFE ref.: 14/12/16/3/3/1/2799), Notsi PV 4 (DFFE ref.: 14/12/16/3/3/1/2800) and Notsi PV 5 (DFFE ref.: 14/12/16/3/3/1/2801).

A 200 m wide and 2.8 km long grid connection corridor has been identified for assessment for the placement of the power line infrastructure. The intention is to assess the grid corridor within the Basic Assessment process and for the grid development corridor (layout) and Environmental Management Programmes to be approved with the Environmental Authorisation (if granted). Further associated infrastructure will include access roads and laydown areas. The proposed grid connection infrastructure will traverse the Farm Welgeluk No. 1622 and Farm Ebenhaezer No. 1623, located southwest of Dealesville in the Tokologo Local Municipalities and Lejweleputswa District Municipality Free State Province.

The associated Grid Infrastructure further includes the development of substations /switching stations located at the authorised solar PV facilities with a physical footprint of up to 1.5 ha per IPP step-up and Eskom switching/collector station as well as a single or double circuit overhead power line, laydown areas and access roads.

The entire extent of the development is located within the Kimberly Renewable Energy Development Zone (REDZ) and the Central Corridor of the Strategic Transmission Corridors.

Province(s): Free State