Photon Energy Group is poised to enhance South Africa’s energy stability with a 250 MW solar-hydro project in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal. The facility will combine concentrated solar PV and 150 MW of thermal hydro storage for seamless grid integration.
As the company’s first large-scale project in the country, it highlights a commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development, leveraging advanced RayGen technology and partnerships with Eskom and local stakeholders.
Solar-Hydro Project: Advancing South Africa’s Energy Future
Photon Energy Group has taken a significant step toward enhancing South Africa’s energy stability by securing land for a state-of-the-art solar-hydro project in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal. This ambitious initiative combines a 250 MW concentrated solar PV plant with a 150 MW thermal hydro storage system. Favorable grid connection terms have also been secured, paving the way for seamless integration into the national grid.
As Photon Energy’s first large-scale project in South Africa, this development underscores the company’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable growth. Georg Hotar, CEO of Photon Energy Group, expressed his excitement about the milestone, saying, “This project represents a significant milestone for Photon Energy as we expand our footprint into South Africa.”
“By deploying the advanced RayGen technology and fostering strong collaboration with Eskom and local stakeholders, we are committed to contributing to South Africa’s energy stability and delivering sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities,” Hotar stated.
Key Features of the Project
The solar-hydro project in Winterton combines cutting-edge technology with environmental sustainability. It is centered around RayGen technology, which integrates concentrated solar PV with water-based thermal storage. This system can provide reliable energy for over 12 hours, addressing the growing need for long-duration energy storage.
Photon Energy’s collaboration with Eskom is crucial for developing technical solutions for grid integration. This partnership will ensure grid stability, optimize energy distribution, and deliver key services like frequency regulation and peak load management. The facility is expected to play a significant role in mitigating South Africa’s ongoing challenges with load shedding.
The solar-hydro project in Winterton is progressing steadily, with key milestones now in motion. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025, and zoning processes are currently underway.
Photon Energy anticipates achieving ready-to-build status by the second quarter of 2026 and is preparing to apply for an energy license from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). These steps, combined with public participation, will ensure all necessary approvals are secured for construction to begin.
Photon Energy is also pursuing Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) designation under South Africa’s Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission. Achieving SIP status would expedite development timelines and foster collaboration with key public and private stakeholders.
Impact on South Africa’s Energy Landscape
Once operational, the solar-hydro project is set to have a transformative impact on South Africa’s energy sector. It will provide consistent, dispatchable energy to help address the country’s energy shortfalls. By supporting grid stability and offering long-duration storage, the facility will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate renewable energy adoption.
The project’s location in Winterton also brings economic benefits to local communities. Photon Energy plans to engage with stakeholders, creating job opportunities and supporting sustainable development.
Photon Energy’s solar-hydro project is powered by RayGen’s innovative energy technology. This solution combines concentrated solar PV and heat generation with thermal hydro storage. The system uses water-based thermal storage to hold energy for dispatch over extended periods, ensuring consistent and efficient output ideal for regions where renewable energy availability is intermittent.
The solar-hydro project in Winterton represents a transformative step for South Africa’s renewable energy sector. It combines innovative design with reliable energy output and a strong focus on sustainability. As Photon Energy advances toward ready-to-build status, the company reaffirms its commitment to community development and renewable energy, showing how cutting-edge technology can foster progress while safeguarding the environment.
