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Sustainable Solar technology

KS1 Intro

Karoshoek Solar One (RF) (Pty) Ltd (KS1) (The “Ilanga” project) is an independent solar power producer delivering an affordable and sustainable source of clean energy in South Africa. Solar technology allows the Ilanga 1 Project to produce energy without releasing carbon or other harmful emissions, a crucial part of any energy mix. Renewable energy combines the provision of power with positive social and environmental outcomes.

The company engaged in the development, construction, and operation of a 100MW Concentrated Solar Plant (CSP) located 30 km east of Upington, called the Ilangalethu Parabolic Trough Solar Project (“ The Ilanga 1 Project”). 

The Ilanga 1 Project forms part of the South African Department of Energy’s “Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program” (REIPPP) and created employment for many people in the area. It has been recognised globally as one of the best government-led procurement programmes. 

Completed and ready for operation on 30 November 2018, Ilanga 1 Project will provide power to South Africans for the next 20 years. 

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) data, South Africa has seen a significant increase in the installation of solar power since 2013.

There has been a net addition of 2,173MW of solar PV and a net addition of approximately 300MW from Concentrated Solar Plants (CSP) between 2014 and 2021, with the Ilanga 1 Project adding 100MW of clean power to the national grid.

Ilanga 1 is an essential step in South Africa’s energy future, procuring on-demand power from an efficient and accountable source with no resource risk and a controlled tariff.

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Ethics & Fraud Hotline

Disclosures can be reported to the Karoshoek Solar One (Ilanga) Ethics And Fraud Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. View & Learn More Here

Frequently Asked Questions

The Northern Cape – an Ideal Location for Solar Power Installations

CSP can store energy which compliments other renewable energy sources such as wind and photovoltaic systems (PV). Data from Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies shows that the Northern Cape province has Direct Normal Solar Irradiation of between 3 000kWh/m2 and three 200kWh/m2, the highest in the country, making it ideal for solar power installations. The Karoshoek Solar One project is the fifth CSP installation in the province. 

How is Solar Energy Captured Using Parabolic Trough Technology?

The parabolic trough technology operates by tracking the sun using several parabolic mirrors that focus the sun’s rays onto an absorber pipe which holds a fluid. This fluid, which is synthetic heat transfer oil, transfers the captured solar energy to the water within the steam generator, where the energy is used to convert water into steam which in turn is used to drive the turbo generator. 

How does a Concentrated Solar Plant (CSP) Generate Electricity?

Unlike a conventional solar photovoltaic (PV) system, the Ilanga 1 Project is based on Concentrated Solar Plant (CSP) technology. Solar PV facilitates and converts sunlight directly into electricity, whereas CSP facilitates and converts sunlight into thermal energy, which is then turned into electricity by a turbo generator.  

Can the Ilanga 1 Project Operate Without Solar Radiation?

The Ilanga-1 CSP plant has a molten salt storage system which allows for 4,5 hours of thermal energy storage to help reduce the effects of irregular sunlight. This enables the Ilanga 1 Project to generate electricity in the evening without solar radiation.  

Will the Ilanga Project Help Generate Electricity During Load Shedding?

The Ilanga 1 Project will help alleviate the pressure on the national grid and subsequently reduce load shedding.  

Why is a Concentrated Solar Plant Good for the Community?

From a clean energy perspective, CSPs do not require coal to produce electricity. They also do not produce any waste associated with coal or nuclear power plants. As a result, these types of plants are economical and environmentally friendly; there are no fuel costs or harmful emissions. The project has also created multiple job opportunities in the Upington region. 

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