The South African Department of Energy has awarded Scatec Solar "preferred bidder status" for three solar power plant projects with a combined nominal capacity of 258 MW in the fourth round of the "Renewable Energy IPP Procurement Programme" in South Africa. Under the terms of the contract, Scatec Solar will build, own and operate the solar power plants with a 42 per cent shareholding. Norfund - the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries- will hold 18 per cent of the equity, while the balance will be held by a Trust channeling dividends from the projects to economic development initiatives in the local communities.

"We are very impressed by the great determination by the South African government to use large-scale renewables to strengthen power supply in the country," said Raymond Carlsen, CEO of Scatec Solar.
"With this award, the people of South Africa will access more clean, reliable and cost competitive electricity in many years to come." 

The three solar power plants will be built on directly adjacent sites. Observers believe that the plants, when combined, will represent one of the largest solar parks ever realized. The plant will be located in Upington in the Northern Cape region, with project financing already arranged as part of the bid preparations. 

Financial close is expected later in 2015, while construction start is expected in early 2017 to align with the timeline of required grid construction activities in the area. 

With this lateset project award, Scatec Solar will increases its asset base by 60% through another 258 MW of projects with secured power purchase agreements in 'project backlog'. In addition, Scatec Solar has a solid project pipeline of more than 400 MW across Africa, Middle East, Americas and Asia. Currently Scatec Solar holds gross 427 MW in operation and under construction.