Richards Bay port
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has selected Amulet Group Consortium to build and operate a 20 MW solar PV plant at the Port of Richards Bay.
TNPA anticipates that the design and construction of the solar plant will start in June and that it will be operational by May 2026.
TNPA is decarbonising its port operations under a renewable energy purchase programme, with the State-owned ports utility planning to install 100 MW of renewable energy across its eight commercial seaports.
In line with South Africa’s commitment to transition to a net-zero emission economy by 2050, Transnet has committed to low carbon transitions of its operations to help offset the effects of climate change.
Not only will renewable energy help lower emissions at the ports, but also provide a cost-effective and reliable energy supply to the port and its users, says TNPA Eastern Region ports managing executive Moshe Motlohi.
Amulet was selected in a request for proposals procurement process which TNPA started in May last year. The company will design, build, test, commission, maintain and operate the solar plant, as well as a battery system at the port for seven years.
The consortium comprises Amulet Group and LTM Energy Group, which both have skills and experience in the energy industry.