Proposed development of the Leeuwpoort Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Associated Grid Connection at Merafong, Gauteng

The application is prepared for registration of the project in terms of the ‘Norm for the Exclusion of Identified Activities Associated with the Development and Expansion of Battery Storage Facilities in Areas of Low or Medium Environmental Sensitivity, published on 27 March 2024’. The registration of the project is to feed power from the proposed BESS into the national grid via the Midas MTS. Project components include:
BESS Site (Assessment Area 17,8ha, final size to be confirmed < 10 ha)
A 132kV grid connection corridor of approximately 560m long and a maximum of 200m wide
A 4m maintenance & service road must be constructed within the powerline servitude
IPP Substation – 1 ha
Eskom Switching Station of approximately (1ha)
Operation and Maintenance Buildings (0,5ha)
An existing access road (to be upgraded and widened by not more than 4m and lengthened by not more than 1km) to the BESS of approximately 1,8km in length to approximately 8 m wide (maximum 10m wide at the turning points) –

Province(s): Gauteng