Photovoltaic Solar Energy Facility on a site south of Sutherland

Photovoltaic Arrays

(DEA Ref: 12/12/20/2235)

Based on international and national policy initiatives responding to the threat of climate change, South Africa has developed a National Climate Change Response Strategy (2004) and a Draft Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity (2010) to diversify electricity supply and achieve energy security. At present over 90% of South Africa’s electricity generation comes from non-renewable sources, mainly from burning coal. In order to curb carbon dioxide emissions and consequently respond locally to climate change issues, renewable energy projects are becoming increasingly important and will assist in achieving national and international targets.

Inca Sutherland Solar (Pty) Ltd is proposing a Photovoltaic Solar Energy Facility south of Sutherland. The proposed 44,000 panels are expected to generate 10 MW to be fed into the national grid. The solar panels are approximately 12 m long, 4 m wide and 3.5 m high. The site is under 20 ha in size and is located on Jakhals Valley RE/99, approximately 11 km South of Sutherland, east of the R354. The site falls under the jurisdiction of the Karoo Hoogland Municipality in the Northern Cape. Associated infrastructure consists of a 66 kV transmission line, underground cabling, site access and internal access roads, maintenance building and security fencing. The activities associated with the project trigger a basic assessment and the Environmental Evaluation Unit, UCT have been commissioned to manage the environmental authorisation process. The environmental authorisation was granted by the Department of Environmental Affairs on 8 February 2012, refer to the documents below. 

Documents available for download