Exxaro Resources obtained an authorisation for the construction of a wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site near Brand se Baai, Western Cape Province in June 2011.  In terms of this Authorisation, the project description referred to the installation of 26 wind turbine units (circa 80m in height) with a circa 100 m diameter rotor.

Following analysis of the wind data collected on site, and in finalising the site development plan, Exxaro Resources is now proposing to install up to 26 turbines with an increased hub height up to circa 100 m with a circa 100m diameter rotor.This will enable the developer to increase the net energy production for the wind farm, thereby increasing the efficiency of the facility.

In addition, it is the intention of Exxaro Resources to develop the project under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).Exxaro Resources hereby requests the amendment of the Environmental Authorisation to reflect the SPV as the project developer.

A request for amendment of the Environmental Authorisation has been prepared , and includes the motivation for amendment, as well as the assessment of potential visual impacts and impacts on avifauna as a result in the increase in hub height.  In terms of Regulation 56 of the EIA Regulations (2010), an opportunity is now provided for registered interested and affected parties to submit written comment on the amendment application.  Please submit your written comment by 18 November 2011 to swjohnston@mweb.co.za.

Umoya Energy obtained an authorisation for the construction of a wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site near Hopefield in September 2009.  This environmental authorisation (EA) is for 50 wind turbine units (circa 80m in height) with a diameter rotor of circa 96m. 

Following subsequent developments in technology since 2009, and in finalising the site development plan, Umoya Energy is now proposing:

• To install up to 40 wind turbine generators with a hub height of up to 95m, rotor diameter of up to 115m.
• An underground concrete foundation of approximately 22m x 22m to support each tower.
• To reduce the development footprint of the proposed facility (i.e. 10 less turbines than the 50 turbines originally proposed).

 A request for amendment to the environmental authorisation has been prepared, and includes the motivation for the amendment, as well as an assessment of the increased hub height on avifauna and visual impacts.  In terms of Regulation 56 of the EIA Regulations (2010), an opportunity is now provided for registered interested and affected parties to submit written comment on the amendment application.  Please submit your written comment by 30 September 2011 to swjohnston@mweb.co.za.

ACED Renewables Cookhouse received an environmental authorisation (EA) for the construction of a wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site near Cookhouse, Eastern Cape Province in May 2010.  The project EA includes authorisation for two 132 kV power lines and two on-site substations with a footprint of up to 100 m x 80 m size. 

Following subsequent negotiations with Eskom, and in finalising the site development plan, ACED Renewables Cookhouse is now proposing:

• To increase the size and voltage of both of the proposed power lines linking to Poseidon Substation from 132 kV to up to 400 kV.
• To increase the proposed on-site substation footprints in order to accommodate the 400 kV infrastructure up to a maximum of 150 m x 200 m for both on-site substations.

A request for amendment to the environmental authorisation has been prepared, and includes the motivation for the amendment, as well as an assessment of the increased voltage and infrastructure footprints on avifauna, ecology and visual.  In terms of Regulation 56 of the EIA Regulations (2010), an opportunity is now provided for registered interested and affected parties to submit written comment on the amendment application.   Please submit your written comment by 10 October 2011.  To obtain further information, please contact swjohnston@mweb.co.za

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) plans to embark on a country-wide clean-up and remediation of asbestos contaminated land along their operational footprint. The asbestos clean-up initiative is proposed in order to remediate the impacts of historical pollution caused by incidental spillage of asbestos-containing products during earlier years of transportation of processed asbestos and asbestos ores from mines to harbours for export (note that TFR no longer transports asbestos in South Africa since the banning of Asbestos in 2008). Prior to undertaking the asbestos clean-up, TFR is required to obtain a waste licence from the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in line with the requirements of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act of 2008. Therefore, Environmental Basic Assessment Processess were undertaken for the various remediation sites. The following Raiway stations are currently being investigated:

• Nelspruit Railway Station, Mpumalanga
• Komatipoort Railway Station, Mpumalanga
• Barberton Railway Station, Mpumalanga

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) plans to embark on a country-wide clean-up and remediation of asbestos contaminated land along their operational footprint. The asbestos clean-up initiative is proposed in order to remediate the impacts of historical pollution caused by incidental spillage of asbestos-containing products during earlier years of transportation of processed asbestos and asbestos ores from mines to harbours for export (note that TFR no longer transports asbestos in South Africa since the banning of Asbestos in 2008). Prior to undertaking the asbestos clean-up, TFR is required to obtain a waste licence from the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in line with the requirements of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act of 2008. Therefore, Environmental Basic Assessment Processess were undertaken  for the various remediation sites. The following Raiway stations are currently being investigated:

• Polokwane Railway Station - Ladanna Yard, Limpopo
• Apiesdoring Railway Station near Burgersfort, Limpopo

The new EIA Regulations were gazetted on 18 June 2010, please find the following available for download:

The new regulations aim to streamline the EIA process and enable integration with other processes such as water-use licences, emission-to-air licences and mining-related approvals.  Furthermore sensitive/threatened ecosystems will be carefully categorised and managed through the introduction of a listing notice dedicated to activities planned in such areas.

Arnot Power Station is an existing coal-fired power station located approximately 50km east of Middleburg in the Mpumalanga Province. It has a nominal base load generation capacity of 2 400 MW, generated from six units, each with a nominal capacity of approximately 400 MW. Eskom are proposing the substitution of a limited amount of coal with biomass (wood pellets) as a co-firing fuel source. 

Exxaro Namakwa Sands are proposing the expansion of the existing general waste landfill site at the Mineral Seperation Plant near Koekenaap, Western Cape Province.  A Basic Assessment Report has been prepared in support of the following applications:

• Application for Authorisation in terms of NEMA (DEA&DP Reference No: E12/241-F3/12-3086/11)
• Application for Waste License in terms of the NEM: Waste License (DEA&DP Reference no: E13/2/10/2-F3/12-WL0051/10
• Application for amendment of the existing Environmental Management Programme in terms if the MPRDA (DMR Reference Nos: ML 4/99 and ML/12/2002)

A Draft BA Report is available for public review from 15 April - 1 June 2011  at the following venues:

• Vredendal library
• Lutzville library
• Farm Enkelvlei

Please submit comments to swjohnston@mweb.co.za by 1 June 2011

The South African National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL) is proposing the construction of a bridge over the Ngotwane River at the Swartkopfontein Border Post between South Africa and Botswana, as well as resurfacing of the existing road and realignment of approximately 1 km of the road on the South African side of the border.  The aim of the project is to upgrade the existing concrete drift across the river with a 5-span bridge in order to prevent frequent flooding and the subsequent disruption to traffic flow that occurs with high rainfall/storm events.  This proposed bridge is located at a technically feasible position on a new road alignment.  The project was registered with the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) under the following reference number: 12/12/20/1286.

Eskom Holdings is proposing to construct a raw water pipeline across a non-perennial stream as part of infrastructure for Medupi power station in Limpopo Province. The project has been registered with the Department of Environmental Affairs under application number 12/12/20/2069.

Ruukki SA is proposing to establish a 250 – 300 MW coal-fired power station and associated infrastructure is on a site within the Emalaheni Local Municipality of the Mpumalanga Province.  The proposed site is located adjacent to the old Wilge Power Station which was decommissioned during the late 1990s, approximately 11 km north-west of Ogies and 25 km south-west of Witbank in Mpumalanga.  The power station and associated infrastructure is proposed on Portion 8 and Portion 16 of the Farm Vlakfontein 569

The East Rand Water Care Company (ERWAT) provides bulk wastewater management services to the Ekurhuleni Metro, which consists of previous municipalities of Kempton Park, Germiston, Alberton, Brakpan, Boksburg, Benoni and Springs. The existing Welgedacht Water Care Works (WCW) is currently under severe pressure from increasing wastewater volumes draining towards the plant due to new developments within the catchment. In order to adequately treat the wastewater volumes expected to drain towards the Welgedacht WCW in the short- and long-term, ERWAT are proposing the expansion of the Welgedacht WCW by approximately 100Ml/d over the next 30 years.

Please find the Statement of Capability, Services Profile, Specialist Serivces Profile, and Renewable Energy Project List

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) plans to embard on a country-wide clean up and remediation of asbestos contaminated land along their operational footprint.  The asbestos clean-up initiative is proposed in order to remediate the impacts of historical pollution caused by incidental spillage of asbestos- containing products during earlier years of transportation of processed asbestos and asbestos ores from mines to harbours for export (note that TFR no longer transports asbestos in South Africa since the banning of Asbestos in 2008).  Prior to undertaking the asbestos clean-up, TFR is required to obtain a waste licence from the National Department of Environment Affairs (DEA) in line with the requirements of the National Environment Management: Waste Act of 2008.  Therefore, an Environmental Basic Assessment Process is underway for the remediation of the Nsese Railway Station in KwaZulu-Natal.

Please note that the Nsese site was deemed an "NAD" site as no asbestos was detected through the risk assessment undertaken by CSS.  TFR recognises that asbestos may be present in its operational areas of the Nsese yard, in various forms, conditions and types and that an effective asbestos clean-up and management strategy is therefore required in order to manage the potential risks to empolyees, contractors and community members surrounding the site.

Eskom Holdings Limited (Eskom) is conducting a feasibility study of new conventional nuclear generation in the greater Cape region, with potential sites at Duynefontein (adjacent to the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station), Thuyspunt (near Jeffreys Bay) and Bantamsklip (near Pearly Beach).  This is known as the Nuclear-1 project which is still faily open in terms of the location of the plant as well as the type and number of units to be installed.  The transmission integration must therefore accommodate such uncertainties as far as practicable.  As such, Eskom Transmission is investigating possible transmission power line routes from each of these three sites.

VentuSA Energy (Pty) Ltd is proposing the establishment of a short (approximately 4 km) 132 kV power line in order two connect two proposed solar energy facilities near Kathu to the new Ferrum - Umtu  Klipkop 132 kV power line which lies to the east of the proposed facilities.

Eskom Holdings Limited is proposing the establishment of a new 400kV transmission line which will connect the Aggeneis and Oranjemond substations in the Northern Cape Province over an approximate distance of 240km. The envisaged project includes the upgrade of both substations to accomodate the new transmission line.  The entire study area is located within the Eskom Western Grid and forms part of the Northern Cape Strengthening project.   

In order to support the upsurge in demand for the platinum group metals in the Mokopane area, and to support the reliability of electricity supply to the Polokwane area, Eskom Transmission is proposing the introduction of the Mokopane Integration Project.  This project includes the construction of the following components:

• A new substation near Mokopane
• Integration of the new substation into the transmission system by looping in and out of one of the existing Matimba-Witkop 400kV transmission power lines, a distance of approximately 10 km.
• A new 400kV transmision power line between the Delta Substation (near the Medupi Power Station) and the proposed new Mokopane Substation, a distance of approximately 150 km.
• A new 400kV transmission power line between the new Mokopane Substation and the existing Witkop Substation (near Polokwane), a distance of approximately 60 km.
• A new 400kV transmission power line between Delta Substation and the existing Witkop Substation, a distance of approximately 200 km.
• Extension of the existing Witkop Substation and associated works to integrate the new Mokopane Substation into the Transmission grid (e.g. access roads, communication tower) and accommodate new lines at existing substations (e.g. the construction of new feeder bays within the existing substation sites).

Feasible substation and transmission power line alternatives have been identified for investigation within a broader study area.  Towns/villages which are located within the study area include Lephalale, Seleka, Shongoane, Bakenburg, Lekalakala, Bakoni Ba Matlala, Mokopane, Matlala, Vaaltyn, Mashashane and Maraba.

In terms of Section 24 and 24D of the National Environmental Management Act (No 107 of 1998), as read with Government Notices R385 (Regulations 27-36) and R387, a Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) are required to be undertaken for this proposed project.  Initially two applications were lodged with DEAT and were given Application Reference numbers 12/12/20/1187 (substation and turn-in lines) and 12/12/20/1140 (transmission lines).  These applications have subsequently been consolidated under Application Reference number 12/12/20/1187.

In this regard, Savannah Environmental has been appointed as an independent consultant to undertake the required EIA process, and ILISO Consulting has been appointed to undertake the required public participation process for the proposed project.  In undertaking the environmental studies, Savannah Environmental will be assisted by the following specialists:

• Riaan Robbeson of Bathusi Environmental Consulting - Biodiversity specialist
• Megan Diamond of Endangered Wildlife Trust - Avifauna specialist
• Julius Pistorius - Heritage specialist
• Lourens du Plessis of MetroGIS - Visual specialist
• Nonka Byker and Anita Bron of MasterQ Research - Social impact assessment. land use and tourism

The Environmental Authorisation for the project was issued by DEA on 1 December 2010.

Soalr Reserve South Africa (Pty) Ltd is proposed to establish two commercial PV solar facilities ona site located 12 kilometres south of Christiana in the North West Province. Twp separate projects and two separate applications for authorisation are proposed in order to accomodate the end- requirement that each Special Purpose Vehcle (SPV) receieved an environmental authorisation. These projects are as follows:

a) Christiana PV 1 (15MW) - This project requires a basic assessment process

b) Christiana PV 2 (75MW) - This project requires a Scoping & EIA process

The two projects are proposed on different localities that occur ont he same farm portion.

ACED Renewable De Aar (Pty) Ltd is proposing the establishment of a solar energy facility with a maximum generating capacity of 500 MW on a site east of De Aar on the farms Carolus Poort 3 (Portion 3), Carolus Poort (Portion 4), Wagt en bittje 5 (remaining extent of Portion 5), Riet Fountain 6 (Portion 1), and Wagt en bittje Annex C137.  

The project has been registered with the National Department of Environmental Affairs as the competant authority under application reference number 12/12/20/2250.

ACSA PV, comprising The Power Comany, Built Africa, and the Airports Company South Africa, is proposing the establishment of photovoltaic installations, at the OR Tambo International Airport, the Upington International Airport, the Bloemfontein International Airport, and the Kimberley Airport.

The environmental authorisations have been issued for all the projects.

African Rainbow Energy proposes to establish a Photovoltaic Solar Energy Facility, located on a site near Upington in the Northern Cape. In this regard, Savannah Environmental undertook the required EIA process. 

Exxaro Resources Limited is proposing the establishment of a photovoltaic plant on a site adjacent to the Grootgeluk Mine near Lephalale in the Limpopo Province.  The establishement of a 30 MW facility triggers the requirement to undertake a Scoping and EIA process, however motivation has been provided to the Department of Environmental Affairs to downscale to a Basic Assessment Process.  This motivation has been accepted.

A draft Basic Assessment report has been prepared for review.  Thsi draft report is available from 1 November - 12 December 2011.  Please submit comments to tammy@savannahsa.com.

INCA Graafwater Solar (Pty) Ltd (a subsidiary of INCA Energy) is proposing to establish a commercial photovoltaic solar energy facility as well as associated infrastructure on a site located approximately 4 km north of Graafwater in the Western Cape.  Based on a pre-feasibility analysis and site identification processes undertaken by INCA Graafwater Solar, a favourable area has been identified for consideration and evaluation through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).  

Solar Capital (Pty) Ltd is proposing to establish a commercial photovoltaic solar energy facility as well as associated infrastructure on a site 47 km north of Loeriesfontein in the Northern Cape Province.

The facility is proposed to accomodate an array of photovoltaic panels with a maximum generating capacity of up to 525 MW.  It is envisaged that the facility will be developed in seven (7) phases and each phase has been registered with DEA under reference numbers 12/12/20/2049/1 to 12/12/20/2049/7.

Solar Capital (Pty) Ltd is proposing the establishment of a commercial solar energy facility and associated infrastructure for the purpose of electricity generation on a site on portion 3 of Farm Paarde Valley 145, which is located approximately 7 km northeast of De Aar in the Nothern Cape Province.

The proposed facility is envisaged to have a maximum generating capacity of 300 MW. which will be developed in phases. The proposed solar energy facility is to make use of photovoltaic (PV) technology.

Ilangalethu Solar Power (Pty) Ltd is proposing to establish a commercial solar thermal plant, located approximately 30 km east of Upington. The proposed project will be referred to as Project Ilanga and will have a maximum generating capacity of 125 MW. It will be sited on one of several farm portions identified for the future proposed Karoshoek Solar Thermal Park, and will ultimately form part of that larger facility which will have a maximum generating capacity of 1 GW.

Proposed establishment of a commercial solar PV electricity generating facility and associated infrasructure on a site located near Kimberley, Northern Cape Province.  The proposed facility would have a generating capacity of up to 19MW and will be undertaken in an area of less than 60ha.

Kabi Solar is proposing to establish a commercial photovoltaic solar energy facility as well as associated infrastructure on a site approximately 8 km north east of Orkney, in the North West Province.

The proposed solar energy facility is to make use of photovoltaic (PV) technology with a maximum generating capacity of 225 MW. It is envisaged that the facility will be developed in three (3) phases and the fourth aspect of the project will be the construction of transmission infrastructure.

Kabi Solar is proposing to establish a commercial photovoltaic solar energy facility as well as associated infrastructure on a site approximately 3 km east of Orkney, in the North West Province.

The proposed solar energy facility is to make use of photovoltaic (PV) technology with a maximum generating capacity of 115 MW. It is envisaged that the facility will be developed in three (3) phases.

INCA Kakamas Solar (Pty) Ltd (a subsidiary of INCA Energy) is proposing to establish a commercial photovoltaic solar energy facility as well as associated infrastructure on a site located approximately 2.5 km west of Kakamas in the Northern Cape province.  Environmental Authorization has already been received for the construction of 10MW of photovoltaic panels on the site (31 October 2011).  Based on recent discussions with Eskom regarding the capacity of the Taaiput Substation adjacent to the site, the addition of a further 10MW of photovoltaic panels has been proposed for the same site.  The project will be referred to as the Kakamas II Photovoltaic Energy Facility.

Renewable Energy Investments South Africa is proposing the establishment of a commercial solar energy facility on a site located approximately 16 km north west of Kathu.  The proposed solar energy facility will have a generating capacity of up to 100 MW which will be comprised of several arrays of either tracking or concentrating photovoltaic panels.  The project has been registered with the National Department of Environmental Affairs under reference number 12/12/20/1858. 

Vanguard Solar proposes the establishment of a PV Solar Energy Facility on a site near Groblershoop in the Northern Cape. Savannah Environmental undertook the EIA process in this regard 

Kleinfontein Solar Energy and Toitdale Solar Energy are proposing the establishment of the Kleinfontein and Toitdale Solar Energy Facilities on two sites near Noupoort.

South African Renewable Green Energy (Pty) Ltd (SARGE) is proposing the establishment of a commercial solar energy facility and associated infrastructure for the purpose of electricity generation on a site near Nababeep, Nothern Cape Province.

The facility will make use of photovoltaic (PV) technology with a maximum generating capacity of 20MW

Ilio Energy (Pty) Ltd is proposing the establishment of a commercial solar energy facility and associated infrstructure for electricity generation on a site on O'Kiep mine north of Springbok in the Northern Cape Province.

The facility will make use of photovoltaic (PV) technology with a maximum generating capacity of 5MW.

(The proposed public meeting has now been moved to 25 January 2012)

Blueport Trade 118 (Pty) Ltd is proposing the establishment of a commercial solar energy facility and associated infrastructure for the generation of electricity on a site on O'Kiep mine tailings dam north of Springbok, Northern Cape Province.

The facility will make use of photovoltaic (PV) technology with a maximum generating capacity of 20 MW.

(The proposed public meeting has now been moved to 25 January 2012)

S28 Degrees Energy is proposing the establishment of three photovoltaic plants near Keimoes.  

Project Sonnenberg is located 30km west of Keimoes on portion 10 of the farm Baviaanz Kranz 474 and has been given the following reference number 12/12/20/2231.  

Project S-Kol is located 10km north-east of Keimoes on the farm Geelkop 456 and has been given the following reference number 12/12/20/2230.  

Lastly Project Ofir-ZX is located 5km north-west of Keimoes on the remaining extent of Farm 616 and has been given the following reference number 12/12/20/2229. 

INCA Vredendal Solar (Pty) Ltd (a subsidiary of INCA Energy) is proposing to establish a commercial photovoltaic solar energy facility as well as associated infrastructure on a site located approximately 10 km northwest of Vredendal in the Western Cape.  Based on a pre-feasibility analysis and site identification processes undertaken by INCA Vredendal Solar, a favourable area has been identified for consideration and evaluation through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). 

The project is proposed on portions of the following Farm: Remainder of Farm 277 (Seekoigat).  The site proposed for the facility falls within the Matzikama Local Municipality.  

INCA Kakamas Solar (Pty) Ltd (a subsidiary of INCA Energy) is proposing to establish a commercial photovoltaic solar energy facility as well as associated infrastructure on a site located approximately 2.5 km west of Kakamas in the Northern Cape province.  Based on a pre-feasibility analysis and site identification processes undertaken by INCA Kakamas Solar, a favourable area has been identified for consideration and evaluation through an Basic Assessment. 

The project is proposed on portions of the following Farm: Remainder of farm 1178 (Kakamas Suid Nedersetting).  The site proposed for the facility falls within the Kai Garib Local Municipality.  A broader area of approximately 109 ha is being considered within which the facility is to be constructed.

Solar Reserve South Africa (Pty) Ltd proposes to establish three commercial photovoltaiz solar energy facilities on a site located 12 km south-east of Windsorton in the Norther Cape. Three separate projects and applications for authorisation are proposed in order to accomodate the end-requirement that each Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) recieves an environmental authorisation. The project names are as follows:

a) Murgenzon PV 1 (15MW). This project requires a basic assessment process

b) Murgenzon PV 2 - Phase 1 (75MW) - Scoping & EIA

c) Murgenzon PV 2 - Phase 2 (75MW) - Scoping & EIA

One consolidated EIA process will be undetraken for the Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Murgenzon PV 2. All three projects are proposed on different locaities within the same farm portion: Portion 0 of Farm Murgenzon 199

Suncorp / Solar Reserve JV is proposing to establish three commercial PV facilities on a site located 12 km south of Hertzogville in the Free State Province. Three separate projects and applications for authorisation are propose din order to accomodate the end-requirement that each Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) recieves an environmental authorisation. These projects are as follows:

a) Hertzogville PV 1 (15MW) - This project will require a basic assessment process

b) Hertzogville PV 2 (Phase 1 - 75MW) - This project will require a scoping & EIA process

c) Hertzogville PV 2 (Phase 2 - 75MW) - This project wil require a scoping & EIA process

Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Hertzogville PV 2 are proposed on different localities on the same farm portion, therefore one consolidated EIA process is being undertaken.

Solar Capital (Pty) Ltd is proposing the establishment of a commercial photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facility and associated infrastructure for the purpose of electricity generation on a site on the farm Klipdrift and Kookfontein 109/10 near Ritchie, which is located approximately 26 Km south of Kimberley, Nothern Cape Province.

The facility is proposed to be developed in two 50 MW phases. The proposed phases and the relevant DEA reference numbers are as follows:

• Ramphele 1 PV Solar Energy Facility (DEA ref: 12/12/20/2051/1)
• Ramphele 2 PV Solar Energy Facility (DEA ref: 12/12/20/2051/2)

Momentous Energy (Pty) Ltd is proposing the establishment of a photovoltaic (PV) plant near Buffelspoort, North West Province. The site is approximately 20km south-east of Rusternburg and approximately 10km north-west of Buffelspoort. The proposed facility will have a maximum generating capacity of 7MW.

The proposed project has been registered with the national Department of Environmental Affairs under application reference number 12/12/20/2145.  The Environmental Authorisation has been issued.

Momentous Energy is proposing the establishment of a Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Energy facility near Buffelspoort, Nothwest Province. The site is approximatey 20km south-east of Rusternburg and 10km north-west of Buffelspoort. The proposed facility will have a maximum generating capacity of 10MW. This facility is proposed as a second phase of a broader development which includes a project refered to as RustMo1 of which a separate Basic Assesment process has already been undertaken.

The proposed project has been registered with the National Department of Environmental Affairs under project reference number 12/12/20/2283.

VentuSA Energy is proposing the establishment of a solar energy facility on a site located approximately 23 km south-east of Sishen in the Northern Cape Province.  The proposed facility will consist of an array of photovoltaic panels (concentrating and/or tracking) and associated infrastructure with a maximum generating capacity of 100 MW.

AFRKO Energy is proposing the establishment of a solar energy facility within the Rooiwal Power Station property boundary in Tshwane, Gauteng Province.  The project will have a maximum generating capacity of 20 MW, which will be evacuated into the national electricity grid as part of a power purchase agreement with Eskom and the South African Treasury. 

VentuSA Energy is proposing the establishment of a solar energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located approximately 20 km south-west of Boshof and approximately 32 km north-east of Kimberley.  The proposed facility is to have a generating capacity of up to 50 MW which is to be generated through the use of photovoltaic panels. The project has been registered with the National Department of Environmental Affairs under reference number 12/12/20/1862

INCA De Aar Solar (Pty) Ltd (a subsidiary of INCA Energy) is proposing the establishment of a commercial photovoltaic solar energy facility as well as associated infrastructure on a site located approximately 8 km south-east of De Aar, on De Aar on Remainder of Portion 1 of the Farm Vetlaagte No. 4 and Remainder of Portion 2 (Bletterman) (Portion of Portion 1) of the Farm De Aar No. 180 within the Emthanjeni Local Municipality in the in the Northern Cape Province.

The proposed facility is envisaged to have a maximum generating capacity of between 20 - 30 MW to be acheived through several arrays of PV panels.

Thupela Energy propose the establishment of a solar energy facility in the Waterberg District Municipality in the Limpopo Province on a site near Vaalwater.  The facility will be composed of an array of photovoltaic panels with a maximum generating capacity of 5 MW to be constructed on a broader site of approximately 50 ha.  

This project has been authorised.

Eskom Holdings Limited is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located approximately 24 km west of Aberdeen in the Eastern Cape Province. Based on a detailed site identification process undertaken by Eskom, and confirmed for environmental suitability by Savannah Environmental through a Regional Assessment process, a broader area which falls within the Camdeboo Local Municipality has been identified by Eskom for consideration within an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). It is proposed for a cluster of between 100 and 150 wind turbines (described as a wind energy facility or a wind farm) to be constructed over an area of approximately 8198 ha in extent. The nature and extent of this facility is expored in more detail within the Background Information Document (BID).

Denhami Research Farms CC is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility as well as associated infrastructure on a site owned by it and located approximately 4 km west of Struis Bay in the Western Cape Province. A favourable site has been identified for consideration and evaluation through a Basic Assessment. The project is referred to as the Denhami Wind Farm near Struis Bay. The project is located within the Cape Agulhas Local Municipality and is proposed on Farm Brakfontien B.

SARGE (Pty) Ltd is proposing to establish a commercial renewable energy facility consisiting of both a wind energy facility component and a photovoltaic solar facility component including the associated infrastructure on a site south of Victoria West in the Northern Cape Province. 

Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located approximately 6km north-west of Riebeek East and approximately 15km north-west of Alicedale in the Eastern Cape Province. An area which falls within the Blue Crane Route Local Municipality and Makana Local Municipality has been identified for consideration within an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

DNA Wind Farm obtained an authorisation for the construction of a wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site near Indwe, Eastern Cape Province (DEA Ref No: 12/12/20/1738) on 27 June 2011.  This environmental authorisation (EA) included authorisation for up to 24 wind turbines with a tip height of up to 140 m. Analysis of the wind resource, as well as technology changes have resulted in proven turbines that capture more energy for a given wind speed.  The project developer is now proposing to:

• Increase the hub of the wind turbines from 90m to a maximum hub height of up to 105m

• Increase the maximum tip height from 140 m to 150 m.  

In terms of Condition 1.6 of the EA, an applicant can apply to the competent authority for a change or deviation from the project description.  A request for amendment to the environmental authorisation has been prepared, and includes the motivation for the amendment, as well as an assessment of the increased hub height on avifauna, as well as potential visual impacts.  In terms of Regulation 56 of the EIA Regulations (2010), an opportunity is now provided for registered interested and affected parties to submit written comment on the amendment application.  

In terms of Condition 1.4 of the Environmental Authorisation, it is possible for an applicant to apply, in writing, to the competent authority for a change or deviation from the project description to be approved.  In this regard, VentuSA Energy have requested DEA’s approval to amend the project description as above.  Savannah Environmental has prepared a motivation in support of this request/application on behalf of VentuSA Energy, and has also provided detail pertaining to the significance and impacts of the proposed change to the project description in order for the competent authority to be able to reach a decision.  The supporting documentation includes impact statements from the avifauna specialist (Avisense Consulting) and the visual specialist (MetroGIS) who were involved in the Environmental Impact Assessment regarding the proposed amendment in turbine heights and rotor diameter. 

Mainstream Renewable Power Aberdeen (Pty) Ltd (Mainstream) is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located within the Camdeboo Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The proposed site is located approximately 13 km east of Aberdeen, north of the R61 regional road in the Eastern Cape. Based on an extensive pre-feasibility analysis and site identification process undertaken, as well as an analysis of the wind resource in the area, a favourable area has been identified for assessment through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. Wind turbines with a capacity of up to 80 MW, collectively referred to as a wind energy facility, are planned to be constructed over an area of approximately 25 km2 in extent.

DNA Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located within Emalahleni Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province.  The proposed wind energy facility is to be developed by Rainmaker Energy Projects (Pty) Ltd. The proposed site is situated in an area approximately 10 km north-east of Indwe, along the R56 regional road.  A cluster of up to 24 wind turbines, collectively referred to as a Wind Energy Facility is planned to be constructed over an area of approximately 980 ha in extent. 

An application for authorisation has been accepted by DEA (under Application Reference number 12/12/20/1738).

Windlab Developments South Africa Pty Ltd is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility on a site between Cookhouse and Bedford in the Eastern Cape Province.  It is proposed for a cluster of up to 350 wind turbines (described as a wind energy facility) to be constructed over an area of approximately 273 km² in extent.  This project is known as the Amakhala Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility.  This project has been registered with National DEA under Application Reference number 12/12/20/1754.  

VentuSA Energy is proposing the establishment of a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure which will be referred to as the Deep River Wind Energy Facility.  The wind energy facility is proposed to be established on an identified site which is located approximately 17 km west of Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape, within the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality. The proposed facility will have a generating capacity of up to 100 MW.

Dorper Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located within Inkwanca Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province.  The proposed wind energy facility is to be developed by Rainmaker Energy Projects (Pty) Ltd (Rainmaker).  The facility will be referred to in this report as the Dorper Wind Energy Facility.  The proposed site for the Wind Energy Facility is situated between the towns of Sterkstroom and Molteno.

DNA Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located within Sakhisizwe Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province.  The proposed wind energy facility is to be developed by Rainmaker Energy Projects (Pty) Ltd, an infrastructure and wind farm developer. The proposed site is situated approximately 3 km west of Elliot.  Based on an extensive pre-feasibility analysis and site identification processes undertaken by Rainmaker Energy, a favourable area has been identified for consideration and evaluation as per the requirements of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).  A cluster of up to 40 wind turbines, collectively referred to as a wind energy facility is planned to be constructed over an area of approximately 16 km² in extent.  This project is known as the Elliot Wind Energy Facility. 

Eskom Holdings Limited is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located approximately 6km south of Kleinzee in the Northern Cape Province. Based on a detailed site identification process undertaken by Eskom, and confirmed for environmental suitability by Savannah Environmental through a Regional Assessment process, a broader area which falls within the Nama Khoi Local Municipality has been identirided by Eskom for consideration within an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). It is proposed for a cluster of between 150 and 200 wind turbines (described as a wind energy facility or a wind farm) to be constructed over an area of approximately 8 682ha in extent. The nature and extent of this facilty will be explored in more detail in the Draft Scoping Report.

Exxaro Resources is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure of up to 66 MW on a site located in the Matzikama Local Municipal area.  The proposed wind energy facility will be known as the Exxaro West Coast Wind Farm and is proposed to be constructed on land owned by Namakwa Sands, north-west of Vredendal in the Western Cape Province.  The wind energy facility is proposed to accomodate up to 27 turbines, spaced to make use of the wind resource on the sites.  The area in which the wind turbines would be situated is an area of approximately 1968 hectares (ha).  Associated infrastructure proposed includes a substation, access roads, underground cabling and a 132 kV power line.

Renewable Energy Investments South Africa (Pty) Ltd (REISA) is proposing the establishment of a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure which will be referred to as the Happy Valley Wind Energy Facility.  The wind energy facility is proposed to be established on an identified site which is located approximately 9 km north-west of Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape, within the Kouga Local Municipality.

ACED Renewables Hidden Valley (Pty) Ltd is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located within the Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality. The site identified for consideration within an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is within the Northern Cape Province, and lies approximately 30 km south of Southerland and 30 km north of Matjiesfontein. The proposed facility is to be known as the Hidden Valley Wind Energy Facility and will be developed in three phases.  

BioTherm Energy (Pty) Ltd is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility, (known as the Klipheuwel/ Dassiesfontein Wind Energy Facility) and associated infrastructure on two sites in the Overberg area within the Western Cape Province.  The wind farm is proposed to accommodate up to 16 turbines, spaced to make use of the wind resource on the sites.  The area in which the wind turbines would be situated is an area of approximately 602 hectares (ha).  Associated infrastructure proposed includes 2 substations, access roads and underground cabling.

The project has been registered under application reference number 12/12/20/1746).

Just Palm Tree Power has identified a site near the town of Koingnaas within a De Beers mining area for the establishment of a commercial wind energy facility. The facility is proposed to accomodate up to 24 appropriately spaced turbines over an extent of approximately 100 hectares for the purpose of electricity generation under 10MW. The facility is to be referred to as the Koingnaas Wind Energy Facility.

South African Renewable Green Energy is proposing the establishment of a commercial wind energy facility on a site near Lutzville in the Western Cape.  The facility is proposed to accomodate up to 115 wind turbines with a generating capacity of approximately 350 MW.

Renewable Energy Resources (RES) South Africa (Pty) Ltd is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located approximately 6 km north of Oyster Bay in the Eastern Cape Province. The proposed development will have a generating capacity of up to 160MW.

Moyeng Energy propose the establishment of a commercial wind energy facility on a site near Darling (DEA Ref No: 12/12/20/1582). An EIA process is being undertaken for the proposed project.

CRENERSOL (Pty) Ltd proposes to establish a wind energy facility on a site located south-east of Vredenburg in the Western Cape Province. A draft Scoping report is currently avaiable for public review from 12 November 2010 - 12 December 2010. For more information contact:

Shawn Johnston

P.O. Box 749, Rondebosch, 7701,Cape Town

Tel:  083 325 9965

Fax: 086 510 2537

E-mail: swjohnston@mweb.co.za

Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Southern Africa is proposing the establishment of a commercial wind energy facility on an identified site located approximately 30 km south-east of Hermanus in the Western Cape Province.  

Moyeng Energy proposed the establishment of a commercial wind energy facility on a site near Vredenburg (DEA Ref. No 12/12/20/1581). In this regard Savannah Environmental has undertaken an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.  The project was authorised by DEA in March 2011.

Terra Power Solutions proposes to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure for electricity generation near Britannia Bay, Western Cape Province (DEA ref no.: 12/12/20/1724).  

VentuSA Energy (Pty) Ltd proposes the establishment of a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located approximately 1 km north of Gouda in the Western Cape.  The proposed wind energy facility, which is to be referred to as the Gouda Wind Energy Facility, is proposed to consist of up to 60 turbines with a generating capacity of approximately 120 MW.  

The proposed project which has been registered with the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) who is the competent authority for this project, has been authorised.

Just Energy, in association with the Uncedo Lwethu Farmers Cooperative and Oxfam UK, is proposing the establishment of a community based wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located near Wesley in the Eastern Cape.  

The project which has been registered with the Department of Environmental Affairs as the competent authority has been authorised.   

Moyeng Energy (Pty) Ltd is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located near Suurplaat in the Western and Northern Cape Provinces.  An area which falls within the Laingsburg Local Municipality (Western Cape); and the Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality (Northern Cape) has been identified ofr consideration within an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).  It is proposed for a cluster of up to 400 wind turbines (collectively described as a wind energy facility) to be constructed over an area of approximately 286 square kilometers in extent.