Concept study to be carried out for massive solar farm in South Africa

Fluor Corp. has been selected to perform a study for a potential solar park development in the Northern Cape for South Africa’s Department of Energy. Following the recent completion of a pre-feasibility study by the Clinton Climate Initiative, a programme of the William J. Clinton Foundation, Fluor will now develop a more detailed conceptual master plan to be unveiled at the upcoming South African Solar Park Investors Conference on the 28 and 29 October 28 in Upington, Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Fluor will book the undisclosed contract value in the fourth quarter of 2010.

“We are closely collaborating with South Africa’s Department of Energy and the Clinton Climate Initiative on this potential flagship solar power development,” said Dave Dunning, President of Fluor’s Power Group.

The 5 GW solar park is one of the largest proposed solar parks in the world. Upon completion of the conceptual study, a more detailed design plan will be developed. The South Africa Department of Energy intends to establish a Solar Park Authority as a unit within the state-owned Central Energy Fund to facilitate the advancement of the project.

The solar park could host proven and emerging solar technologies including photovoltaic (PV), concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) plants and concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies such as power tower and parabolic trough alternatives. When fully developed, the 5 GW solar park could realise a total investment of more than US$ 20 billion according to the Department of Energy.

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