Electricity and Control September 2022

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Opportunities in repurposing Grootvlei power station

E skom and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have signed a letter of intent to guide the next phase of ongoing collaboration between the two parties regarding the repurposing of Grootvlei power station in Mpumalanga. This collaboration will provide guidance for future work between Eskom and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the affected communities, to determine tangible outcomes. In the next phase of the collaboration, Eskom and the Netherlands Embassy, supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, intend to work along two tracks: preparing a pre-feasibility assessment for a climate-smart, labour-intensive agricultural/horticulture development on the Grootvlei power station site, and preparing an integrated and sustainable approach for the repurposing of the Grootvlei power station site. Eskom’s Just Energy Transition office places equal importance on the transition to lower carbon technologies, and the ability to do so in a manner that is just. Eskom is committed to ensuring that the socio-economic and environmental benefits of transitioning are realised, that employees and communities are involved in finding the solutions, and that the transition does not exacerbate the already high unemployment rate in our country but results in a net increase in sustainable jobs. Eskom is keen to assess all options for the repurposing of its sites, where its older coal-fired power stations are scheduled for closure within the next several years, and is looking at opportunities that will ensure greater community involvement, innovative revenue creation and the upliftment of the socio-economic standing of communities in the surrounding areas. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is committed to combat climate change and supports the Just Energy Transition in South Africa. Specifically, the transition should accelerate a green and inclusive economy and leave no-one behind. In keeping with this drive from both parties to create

alternative employment and economic development opportunities, in 2021, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands embarked on grant-funded agricultural related studies at Grootvlei power station, based on the extensive experience of the Netherlands in this regard. The Grootvlei power station was selected due to the site’s repurposing potential, its strategic location (proximity to the industrial hub of Gauteng) and accessibility (along the N3 highway). The Netherlands Embassy drew on the expertise of the Territorial Development team of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, given their expertise in the development of integrated territorial development approaches in the Netherlands and abroad. By supporting a participative, multi-stakeholder process to develop transition pathways and creating new, green employment opportunities, the Just Energy Transition at Grootvlei can become an inspiration, and a blueprint for other sites that will also transition. The aim of the study is to determine the most applicable climate-smart, labour-intensive farming and agricultural related repurposing opportunities for the Grootvlei power station site, to create a positive social, economic, and environmental impact on the surrounding area, and ensure local community involvement and empowerment. The repurposing opportunities will be employed in addition to the renewable energy repowering options that are currently being assessed for the site. These activities are complementary and respond to the aim of Eskom’s Just Energy Transition strategy – to meet both decarbonisation and socio-economic goals. The collaboration thus far has produced a geographical information systems (GIS) study of the Grootvlei area, an assessment of repurposing options, a preliminary situational analysis of the property by horticulture experts, and soil and water quality analyses by specialists. Further work is ongoing.

For more information visit: www.eskom.co.za

Renewable energy and agricultural opportunities are being considered for repurposing the Grootvlei site.

32 Electricity + Control SEPTEMBER 2022