CLEAN ENERGY AND GRID SERVICES

The country stands to gain numerous advantages from embracing this initiative. Firstly, reduced energy costs will be a significant boon, as the nation will enjoy the benefits of a stable and competitive fixed price for a substantial period of over 20 years. Moreover, the introduction of these plants will bring valuable grid services into play, encompassing power flexibility, system protection, grid support, black-start and system restoration capabilities, as well as long-term storage and backup solutions. Furthermore, these plants will contribute to a greener, more sustainable energy landscape by providing a dependable source of green baseload power. Perhaps most notably, the operation of these facilities will be entirely greenhouse gas emission-free, with only water and clean power as their outputs, aligning with our commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

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JOB CREATION AND NEW SKILLS

HDF Energy's ambitious project extends its benefits far beyond the power sector, offering substantial advantages to the Mpumalanga region. By positioning Mpumalanga as a potential green hydrogen hub in South Africa, it opens doors for increased female participation in the energy workforce, addressing gender-related barriers. Moreover, the project introduces new skills and employment opportunities to the region, nurturing a skilled labour force capable of contributing to the nation's emerging green hydrogen market. This groundbreaking endeavour drives vital investments into the country while places a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement, transparency, and socio-economic development. It underscores corporate social responsibility through community development initiatives, especially focusing on women and youth, and generates job opportunities across project phases while supporting the local region's overall development and sustainable growth.

 

ADDRESSING SOUTH AFRICA'S LOAD-SHEDDING CRISIS

A leading factor behind the electricity crisis is the substantial deficit in electricity generation capacity. Eskom, the state-owned electricity provider, has faced challenges in both maintaining and expanding its power generation infrastructure. Additionally, a significant portion of South Africa's electricity generation infrastructure is aging and requires essential maintenance and modernization. Frequent equipment malfunctions and breakdowns further exacerbate the shortfall in electricity generation. The Renewstable® Mpumalanga project will play a vital role in alleviating this shortage by annually supplying electricity to the grid equivalent to averting half a stage of load shedding.

 

GREEN HYDROGEN HUB

The Renewstable® Mpumalanga project has the potential to play a pivotal role in the emergence of South Africa's green hydrogen market. The project's role in positioning the region as a green hydrogen hub is a strategic move that not only benefits the local economy but also contributes to the global transition toward clean and sustainable energy solutions. It showcases Mpumalanga as a potential leader in the emerging green hydrogen market, offering long-term benefits for both the region and the nation as a whole.

 

Just Energy Transition

South Africa, and more specifically, the Mpumalanga region is home to a substantial number of coal-fired power stations, which are expected to gradually close as part of the just energy transition. The region has also long struggled with poor air quality due to coal mining and combustion from these plants. The Renewstable® Mpumalanga green hydrogen power plants represent a sustainable and cleaner alternative to fill the energy gap left by these closures and helps combat air pollution, contributing to improved public health and environmental quality, a crucial element in the just transition.