The Proposed Welanga Solar Photovoltaic Solar Energy Facility and Grid Connection Infrastructure near Charl Cilliers, Mpumalanga Province

Welanga Solar PV Project One (Pty) Ltd proposes the construction of a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facility and associated grid connection infrastructure on surrounding properties located within the Lekwa Local Municipality and Gert Sibande District Municipality. The town of Charl Cilliers is located approximately 8 km northwest of the proposed project. .The proposed development comprises the construction of an up to 160 MWac Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Energy Facility, including associated infrastructure (on-site substation, switching station, an overhead powerline, Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS), internal and perimeter access roads, operational and management buildings, temporary and permanent laydown areas, etc.). Energy generated by the facility will be evacuated into the National Grid via a 132 kV power line connecting to the existing Eskom Grootfontein Substation. Three (03) power line route alternatives will be assessed each with a length of up to 5 km within a 200 m wide assessment corridor which expands up to 500 m wide at the Grootfontein Substation.The proposed development traverses several properties. The affected properties include Farm Moreson No. 329, Farm Grootfontein No. 336, Remaining Extent of Farm Grootfontein No. 336, Portion 21 of Farm Grootfontein No. 336, Portion 23 of Farm Grootfontein No. 336, Remaining Extent of Portion 17 of Farm Grootfontein No. 336 and Portion 5 of Farm New Denmark No. 335