Eskom Green has launched a R1.2 billion initiative to integrate renewable energy into its existing coal-fired power station network, starting with a 75 MW solar facility at the Lethabo plant in the Free State.
The utility aims to generate approximately 6 GW of new capacity by 2030 by repurposing existing industrial sites through a series of prioritised green projects.
One of these initiatives is the Lethabo project, which is among 17 high-priority initiatives to be developed at Eskom’s existing coal-fired power stations. Construction is expected to begin between now and 2028.
These projects will be strategically located at various power stations, including Arnot, Duvha, Majuba, Tutuka, Lethabo, Komati, Kendal, Kusile, Hendrina, Camden, and Grootvlei.
Eskom said that by leveraging existing infrastructure, these developments aim to accelerate deployment, reduce costs, and enhance grid resilience.
Once completed, the solar power plant is expected to generate approximately 147 GWh of electricity annually, providing power to an estimated 60,000 households.
In addition to contributing to the energy supply, the utility said the project will create local economic opportunities and enhance skills development during both the construction and operational phases.
“Bringing this solar plant into the Lethabo Power Station site affirms our deliberate strategy to optimise existing assets while accelerating new lower-carbon generation capacity,” said Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo.
Nxumalo said that Eskom’s coal-fired operations are essential for maintaining grid stability. He noted that the company is improving this stability by integrating renewable energy into the same framework.
According to Nxumalo, by using existing infrastructure and expertise, Eskom can effectively increase its generation capacity while ensuring reliability.
The utility said that the proposed funding model will minimise the impact on Eskom’s balance sheet by using project finance principles for renewable energy initiatives, facilitated through dedicated Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
This approach is expected to advance Eskom’s pipeline of over 32 GW of cost-competitive renewable energy and storage projects by 2040.
