The Redstone Concentrated Solar Thermal Power (CSP) Project in South Africa, managed by SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Corporation, a subsidiary of Power Construction Corporation of China, has successfully transitioned into its commercial operation phase. This milestone was marked by the project's receipt of the commercial operation certificate from the South African national grid operator on May 30.
A view of the Redstone Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Project in Northern Cape Province of South Africa [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
It is not only the first CSP project in sub-Saharan Africa, but also one of the largest renewable energy investment projects in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. It adopts advanced molten salt tower storage technology and features 41,260 heliostats installed on-site. Together, these form a solar field that surrounds a central power island anchored by a 247.55-meter-high solar tower. During operation, each heliostat is equipped with a wireless tracking system that allows it to accurately reflect sunlight onto a receiver located at the top of the tower.
Compared with photovoltaic power plants, the CSP station emits significantly less carbon per kilowatt-hour over its lifecycle. This achievement will play a vital role in supporting South Africa’s efforts to combat climate change and promote clean energy development. The project has created over 600 direct local jobs and employed up to 1,800 workers during peak construction, making a positive contribution to the country’s economic and social development.
Once operational, the plant will supply approximately 785.8 GWh of clean electricity to the national grid annually — enough to meet the power needs of around 200,000 South African households. It is expected to significantly reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions, making it a project of strategic importance to South Africa’s energy transition.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
