January 15, 2025

250 MW Solar-Hydro Project: Photon Energy Expands in South Africa

Photon Energy Group is set to enhance South Africa's energy stability with a 250 MW solar-hydro Project in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal, which combines concentrated solar PV and 150 MW thermal hydro storage for seamless grid integration. This first large-scale project in South Africa highlights the company's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development through advanced RayGen technology and partnerships with Eskom and local stakeholders.

Solar-Hydro Project: Advancing South Africa's Energy Future


Photon Energy Group has made a bold move to enhance South Africa's energy stability by securing land for a state-of-the-art solar-hydro Project in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal. This ambitious initiative will combine a 250 MW concentrated solar PV plant with a 150 MW thermal hydro storage system. The project has received favorable grid connection terms, thus ensuring seamless integration into the national grid.

This development marks Photon Energy's first large-scale project in South Africa. It underscores the company’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable growth. The CEO of Photon Energy Group, Georg Hotar, expressed 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," stated Hotar.

Key Features of the Project


The solar-hydro Project in Winterton combines cutting-edge technology with environmental sustainability. At its core is the RayGen technology, which integrates concentrated solar PV and water-based thermal storage. This system can provide reliable energy for over 12 hours, thereby meeting the growing need for long-duration energy storage.

Photon Energy’s collaboration with Eskom will play a crucial role in designing technical solutions for grid integration. This partnership will ensure grid stability, optimize energy distribution, and deliver services such as frequency regulation and peak load management. The facility is expected to contribute significantly to mitigating South Africa’s ongoing challenges with load shedding.

The solar-hydro Project in Winterton is progressing steadily, with key milestones already in motion. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025, while zoning processes are currently underway.

Photon Energy anticipates achieving ready-to-build status by the second quarter of 2026. The company is also preparing to apply for an energy license from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). This, combined with public participation processes, will ensure all necessary approvals are in place 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 will make a transformative impact on South Africa's energy sector. The project will provide consistent and dispatchable energy, which helps in addressing the country's energy shortfalls. By supporting grid stability and offering long-duration storage, the facility will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase renewable energy adoption.

The project's location in Winterton also ensures economic benefits for local communities. Photon Energy plans to engage with stakeholders, thus creating job opportunities and supporting sustainable development.

Photon Energy’s solar-hydro Project is built around 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 store energy for dispatch over extended periods. This design ensures consistent and efficient energy output, which makes it ideal for regions with intermittent renewable energy availability.

The solar-hydro Project in Winterton represents a transformative step for South Africa's renewable energy sector. It combines innovative design, reliable energy output, and a strong focus on sustainability to address the nation’s energy challenges. As Photon Energy advances toward ready-to-build status, the company reaffirms its commitment to renewable energy and community development. This showcases how cutting-edge technologies can foster progress while safeguarding the environment.


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