Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) announced that the first 20 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant at the Port of Richards Bay will be constructed by Sandton construction and engineering firm, Amulet Group Consortium.

Construction of the plant is part of TNPA’s commitment to decarbonising its port operations under its renewable energy purchase programme, the logistics utility said.

TNPA intends to deploy approximately 100 MW of renewable energy, which will be progressively implemented across the eight commercial sea ports of South Africa.

The state-owned company said the programme is in line with South Africa’s commitment to finding ways to transition to a net-zero emission economy by 2050.

Amulet Group Consortium was selected through a request for proposals procurement process launched by TNPA in May 2023. Its scope of work includes designing, building, testing, commissioning and maintaining a 20 MW solar PV plant with a battery energy storage system at the port for seven years.

“The introduction of a renewable energy solution in the port system will enable the reduction of carbon emissions and greenhouse gas emissions from coal-generated electricity,” said Moshe Motlohi, Managing Executive for the Eastern Region ports at TNPA.

“It will further provide a cost-effective and reliable energy supply to the port and its users.”

TNPA anticipates that the design and construction of the solar PV plant will commence this month and it will be operational by May 31, 2026.