Bokpoort CSP IPP

Bokpoort CSP IPP

Bokpoort CSP is a greenfield Independent Power Project (IPP) which is an integral part of South Africa’s renewable IPP program. The project is developed on a BOOT (build, own, operate, transfer) basis with a total power generating capacity of 50 MWe net power output. The project is equipped with the largest thermal storage size ever adopted for a similar operational size providing nine hours of storage and is among the most efficient solar plants in the world.

In May 2012, a consortium led by ACWA Power was announced as the preferred bidder to develop the Bokpoort CSP IPP located in the Northern Cape Province, 600 km west of Johannesburg in South Africa. In June 2013, the project achieved financial close and start of construction.

Key facts

  • Location

    Northern Cape province, South Africa

  • Offtaker

    Eskom Holdings

  • Capacity

    50 MWe (net) with 9 hours of thermal energy storage

  • Technology

    CSP Parabolic trough with approx. 9.3 hours storage

  • Project cost

    US$ 517 million

  • Commercial operations date

    Q1 2016

  • Acwa share

    20.04%

  • Offtake contract

    PPA-BOO 20 years

  • Other investors

    Public Invest co (25%), Lereko Solafrica Investment (13%), Revego Africa Energy (12%), others (29.96%)

  • Project company

    ACWA Power Solafrica Bokpoort CSP Power Plant (Pty) Ltd. ("Bokpoort")

  • Operations & maintenance company

    Acwa Operations

  • Engineering, procurement & construction company

    Spain’s TSK Electronica y Electricidad, Acciona Infrastructures, Acciona Ingenieria, Sener Ingenieria y Sistemas and Crowie Concessions