Serengeti Energy proudly announces a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainable power generation. With the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Growthpoint Properties, Serengeti Energy joins South Africa’s first wind-hydro-solar wheeling renewable energy collaboration as the exclusive hydroelectric power partner.
Serengeti’s Boston Hydro, the 5MW run-off-river power plant is located on the Ash River within the Lesotho Highlands Water Scheme (LHWS). The project started with construction in late October 2023 and is scheduled to start its commercial operations in July 2025. The 30 GWh per annum of electricity that will be generated by the plant will be wheeled via the Eskom grid and traded by Etana to various Growthpoint Properties commercial buildings across South Africa.
“We are thrilled to announce the financial close and commencement of construction for Boston Hydro Power Plant,” remarked Serengeti Energy CEO, Anton-Louis Olivier. “This milestone underscores Serengeti Energy’s ability to meet the growing demand for renewable energy while fostering environmental stewardship and economic growth for the region.” “Boston Hydro will result in the reduction of some 600,000 tons of CO2 emissions over a 20year period. In addition, the construction of the project will create 100 jobs with the bulk of these jobs being local.” Added Mr. Anton-Louis Olivier.
Boston hydro is Serengeti Energy’s fourth hydroelectric plant on the Ash River water transfer scheme; 3 MW Sol Plaatje was commissioned in 2009, 4MW Merino in 2010 and 4MW Stortemelk was the third, commissioned in 2016. All four of these hydroelectric power plants generate baseload, i.e., non-intermittent power that is injected into the national grid. Boston Hydro’s strategic location will enable Serengeti Energy to capitalize on the LHWS Phase 2 expansion, which increases the plant’s contribution to base load generation into the national grid.
This private sector PPA establishes a new model for the development of power projects in South Africa and for consumers to ensure their access to reliable, sustainable and affordable clean energy. Private PPAs are emerging as a viable route for achieving energy security, diversifying energy sources, and driving economic development in South Africa and beyond.