Eskom Holdings has launched a request-for-qualification process (RFQ) to select renewable energy partners for its Eskom Green phase 1 programme. The programme will cover up to 6 GW of utility-scale renewable energy and energy storage projects, including solar photovoltaic (PV), battery energy storage systems (BESS), wind and other renewable technologies. The RFQ is the first stage of the procurement process and will create a panel of pre-qualified partners that may be invited to participate in future project-specific opportunities.
Under the programme, Eskom will contribute projects comprising at least 2 GW of solar PV and 1 GW/4 GWh of BESS. These projects may be combined with projects owned or developed by the selected partners. The partners will work with Eskom on the co-development, financing and implementation of projects for a period of five years, with project structures and funding arrangements to be decided separately for each project. The programme will use private-sector capital, technical expertise and project development capabilities.
The programme will include Eskom-owned renewable energy and storage projects, including projects on Eskom-owned land and generation sites, as well as projects owned or developed by strategic partners. Eskom’s projects have allocated sites, with land, environmental authorisations and grid connection access at different stages of development. They are expected to be housed in separate special purpose vehicles and primarily financed through limited- or non-recourse project financing.
REGlobal’s Views: Eskom is seeking private partners to co-develop and finance projects under Eskom Green, its new renewables unit, which will be wholly owned by Eskom Holdings. The initiative forms part of a broader expansion plan, with Eskom Green targeting 6 GW of capacity by 2030, 21 GW by 2035 and 32 GW by 2040. To support this growth, Eskom has launched a separate tender for the 21 GWh Tubatse pumped storage project, which will store power and help the grid handle more renewables.