Mainstream wind, solar projects worth R5bn advance to next stage

A consortium led by global renewable energy developer Mainstream Renewable Power reports that South Africa’s Department of Energy (DoE) has named three of its wind and solar projects, representing a combined capacity of 230 MW, among the initial 28 to have progressed to the preferred-bidder stage.

The projects, which represent a likely investment of R5-billion are expected to reach financial close by June 2012, with construction to begin shortly thereafter.

The projects named include the 133-MW Jeffreys Bay wind farm, located in the Eastern Cape, the 48.25-MW De Aar solar photovoltaic (PV) farm, located in the Emthanjeni municipal area of the Northern Cape, and the 48.25-MW Droogfontein solar PV farm, located near Kimberley, also in the Northern Cape. Read more ...