Heritage Cases

Enel Green Power South Africa (Pty) Ltd (EGP) Limited intends to submit an Environmental Authorisation for the retrofitting of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to the existing Adams Solar photovoltaic facility located in Joe Morolong Local Municipality in the Northern Cape province. Part of the submission requirements is to apply for an Environmental Authorisation (EA). The proposed BESS will be housed inside containers or similar structures with a total footprint of up to 4ha in extent. Both Lithium-ion and Redox-flow technology are being considered for the project, depending on which is most feasible at the time of implementation. Possible associated infrastructure includes: i. A Substation with a maximum height of - HV busbar up to 10 m max and an HV Building up to 4 m max. ii. Access road to the BESS (6 existing access road), and internal roads (up to 8m wide) within the footprint of the BESS, as needed. iii. MV Cabling (underground or overhead) between the BESS and the HV/MV BESS substation. iv. HV Cabling (underground or overhead) between the HV/MV BESS substation and the HV substation or for loop in and loop out to the existing HV connection line. v. Fencing around the BESS and the substation for increased security measures. vi. Temporary laydown area within the 4ha footprint of the BESS. vii. Possible firebreak around the BESS facility which is to be located within the 4ha BESS footprint. The general purpose and utilisation of a BESS is to save and store excess electrical output as it is generated, allowing for a timed release of electricity to the grid when the capacity is required. BESS systems therefore provide flexibility in the efficient operation of the electricity grid through decoupling of the energy supply and demand.