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The project will have 150 MW of thermal energy storage.

Solar

Dutch firm Photon Energy to build 250MW CSP power plant in KZN

The project is expected to reach the ready-to-build status by Q2 2026. 

Dutch energy company Photon Energy has announced that it is developing a 250 MW concentrated solar PV plant in Winterton in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, and has received favorable grid connection terms from Eskom which will ensure it can fully integrate the project to the grid. 

The project will have 150 MW (1.8 GWh, 12 hours) of RayGen’s water-based thermal storage solution – an energy storage technology that can provide dispatchable synchronous energy over periods exceeding 12 hours. Photon Energy has a 5.44% equity stake in RayGen.

The CSP project has secured 1,200 hectares of land, and the Dutch energy developer will now move to kickstart the process for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which it expects to be concluded by Q4 this year. 

Additionally, Photon Energy will collaborate with Eskom to design and implement the necessary technical solutions for integrating the plant into both the regional and national grid. 

“This project represents a significant milestone for Photon Energy as we expand our footprint into South Africa,” said Georg Hotar, CEO Photon Energy Group. 

“By deploying the advanced RayGen technology and fostering strong collaboration with Eskom and local stakeholders, we are committed to contributing to South Africa’s energy stability and delivering sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities,” concluded Hotar.

The Dutch energy developer says they are preparing to initiate the NERSA (National Energy Regulator of South Africa) energy license application and the PPP (Public Participation Process), key steps toward securing all necessary approvals for construction. The project is expected to reach the ready-to-build status by Q2 2026. 

Photon Energy is also pursuing Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) status under South Africa’s Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission. Achieving SIP designation would provide critical support, enabling expedited development timelines and fostering collaboration with key public and private stakeholders.

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