The port of Richards Bay, a major coal export hub in South Africa, could partly be running off renewable energy in the near future.

The state-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a request for proposals for a 20 MW solar PV plant with a battery energy storage system (BESS) at the northern KwaZulu-Natal port.

Engineering News reports that the proposal should encompass the design, construction, testing, commissioning, maintenance and operation of the plant for seven years. The project is expected to feature a ground-mounted solar PV plant as well as a roof-mounted system.

It is part of the TNPA’s Desired End Strategy that includes introducing 100 MW of renewable energy across its commercial seaports. It envisages a mix of renewable energy, liquefied natural gas, microgrids, battery systems and backup electricity generators to ensure reliable energy supply to its ports and users and to reduce its carbon footprint.

The TNPA will also consider the use of green fuels such as ammonia or green hydrogen to power its marine fleet.

3o May 2023
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