Bokpoort CSP Plant
CLEAN, NON-POLLUTING ENERGY
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
1 in 8 people still do not have access to electricity. In order to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, it is necessary to increase the use of renewable energy from 25 % today to 38 % in 2025.
ACCIONA is positioning itself as a key player in addressing the growth in energy demand while curbing the progress of global warming and promoting the transition to a decarbonized energy model.
CLIMATE ACTION
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
The generation and use of energy is responsible for 74 % of total greenhouse gas emissions in the world. This activity is the largest contributor to global warming. Investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and other low carbon technologies will continue to be essential to meet the new needs of humanity and to minimise their negative impact on the environment.
ACCIONA considers the fight against climate change and its related effects to be a strategic priority. The Company is working to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in order to contribute to the progress of society and respond to the main challenges of sustainable development in the areas of infrastructure, water and energy, leading the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The solar thermal plant has a gross installed capacity of 55 MW with two thermal energy storage (TES) tanks with a diameter of 36/40 metres and a height of 18 metres. They contain molten salt that provides 9.3 hours of operation (1,300 MWht), using parabolic trough technology with 180 loops, 150 metres of collectors, and a Siemens turbine. The project involved moving 600,000 m3 of land; 9,000 foundations; and 200,000 inches of welding.
In September 2016, this project was named 'Best Renewable Energy Project in 2016' by the South African National Energy Association. During its first month of commercial operations, the plant demonstrated its storage capacity, producing electricity for a continuous period of 161 hours, or the equivalent of six days, setting a record for performance with this technology in Africa.
The project was also recognised for the contribution renewable energy makes to the socio-economic development of the local communities.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Project undertaken by ACCIONA's Infrastructure Division
- Location
- Northern Cape, South Africa
- Client
- ACWA Power
- Capacity
- 50 MWe
- Contract type
- EPC - Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning
- Technology
- Parabolic trough collectors with thermal storage using molten salts for 9.3 hours
- Year construction ended
- 2016
- Thermal storage using molten salts for 9.3 hours
- 180 loops in solar farm
- Recognised as Best Renewable Energy Project in 2016 (by South African National Energy Association)