240828004613 - Application for an Environmental Clearance Certificate for the Proposed Construction and Operation of the 10MW Farm Cleveland Solar PV Facility in Otjiwarongo, Otjozondjupa Region.

Renewable energy sources offer numerous advantages over fossil fuels, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and reduced dependence on finite resources. Solar energy, in particular, has experienced rapid growth due to falling costs and technological advancements in photovoltaic systems. Despite these benefits, one of the main challenges of renewable energy sources is their intermittency and variability. Solar power generation is dependent on weather conditions, meaning that electricity production may not align with demand. This variability can strain the electricity grid and require backup power from fossil fuel plants, undermining the environmental benefits of renewable energy. Battery energy storage systems have emerged as a solution to this challenge, enabling the storage of excess energy generated during periods of high production for use when demand is high or production is low. Battery energy storage systems offer several key benefits for the integration of renewable energy into the grid. They help smooth out fluctuations in energy generation, improve grid stability, and enhance the reliability of renewable energy sources. By storing excess energy when production exceeds demand and discharging stored energy when needed, battery storage systems can optimize the use of renewable energy and reduce the need for backup power from fossil fuel plants. This flexibility is essential for maximizing the value of renewable energy sources and accelerating the transition to a clean energy future. SunChem (the proponent) intends to generate renewable energy from solar incorporating battery energy storage systems on Farm Cleveland No.17 in Otjiwarongo, Otjozondjupa Region. The electricity generated will be supplied to Whale Rock Cement (Pty) Ltd for use in its cement production. This will help the Whale Rock Cement reduce its production costs as well as its carbon footprint. Surplus electricity generated will be fed to the national grid for consumption by the regional loads that will benefit businesses and households.