ACWA - SA Inclusive

As a testament to human ingenuity and community resilience, ACWA Power’s Redstone thermal power plant stands in the arid landscape of South Africa’s Northern Cape. This vast land, where temperatures often reach an extreme 40-45 degrees, has become the backdrop of a revolutionary renewable energy project.

Renewable is the future.

The People

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Lingawi Jozela – Civil Engineer working with SEPCOIII on the ACWA Power Redstone Project (60 Sec)

Lingawi Jozela, a Civil Engineer working with SEPCOIII on the ACWA Power Redstone Project, believes firmly in the promise of renewable energy. An impressive 44,000 pylons affixed with mirrors reflect the sun’s rays into a receiver in the largest concentrated solar power tower in the Southern Hemisphere, a venture he’s actively involved in. This concentrated heat produces temperatures exceeding 600 degrees Celsius.

This exceptional technology distinguishes itself by placing the receiver, akin to a typical boiler, atop a tower at a height of about 250 meters. The gathered energy then drives a steam turbine situated at the base of the tower. Jozela notes that this innovative technology not only contributes significantly to the energy grid but also brings substantial benefits to local communities through job creation. Being part of this transformative project is an amazing experience for him.

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Moshe Dikgetse – Environmental Officer – Unik Engineering ACWA Power Redstone (60 Sec)

In the Northern Cape, Moshe Dikgetse, an Environmental Officer with Unik Engineering for the ACWA Power Redstone Project, navigates the extremes of a unique environment. With scorching summers that make the region an ideal location for solar plants, Dikgetse’s role is pivotal. He refers to the plants he tends to as his “little babies” and diligently ensures their protection, especially given the abundance of protected species in the area.

When entering virgin land to work, environmentalists like Dikgetse take the first steps. They relocate any affected plants to suitable areas, a task facilitated by their resilience in their harsh natural habitat. Dikgetse feels deeply connected with these plants, almost as if they listen to him. Beyond environmental stewardship, Dikgetse also acknowledges the employment opportunities of building the solar plant, contributing to a green economy. He expresses optimism about the trajectory of his country’s progress.

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Sanna Sebone – MD, Sebongi Construction, ACWA Power Redstone (60 Secs)

Sanna Sebone, the Managing Director of Sebongi Construction, hails from Postmasburg, a town located about 30 kilometers from the ACWA Power Redstone Project site. Currently, her team is working on constructing the solar tower, specifically focusing on the concrete work for the structure itself. Most of her workers come from the local district municipality, reflecting the company’s commitment to employing locals who are in need of work.

The area is buzzing with construction activity, and Sebone’s aspiration is to provide her workers with the skills and experience that could propel them forward in their careers. The work is challenging; all team members must work at great heights since the current phase of construction is entirely up in the tower, leaving no work at the ground level.

Despite the challenges, Sebone finds immense fulfillment in her work. Providing employment to those who need it brings her a satisfaction that she struggles to put into words. As she rests each night, she does so with the peace of knowing that she’s fulfilling her purpose on earth – providing jobs and contributing positively to her community.

Corporate Overview

The Story

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Harnessing the unforgiving heat, Redstone employs a unique tower technology. About 250 meters high, the tower uses a receiver similar to a conventional boiler. Encircling the tower base, nearly a million square meters of mirrors reflect the sun’s light onto the receiver, which superheats molten salt to a remarkable 565 degrees. This energy then powers a steam turbine at the tower’s base, providing a cutting-edge, eco-friendly solution to energy production.

The Redstone project, however, isn’t just about producing energy; it’s about empowering the local community. Unemployment is a significant issue in the Northern Cape, but the construction of the solar plant has generated many jobs. From environmental officers overseeing site management to workers trained in unique skills for the project’s construction, the project has kickstarted economic revitalization.

Furthermore, Redstone has attracted global expertise, with professionals from China, Belgium, the United States, the UK, and Israel contributing their knowledge. This international collaboration aims to transfer skills to the local workforce, equipping the community to operate and maintain the plant independently. As the plant has the capacity to power around 200,000 homes during peak hours, its impact on the region’s energy infrastructure is transformative.

Beyond providing employment and skills, Redstone also triggers a profound social change. Creating jobs has a multiplier effect: employment for one breadwinner means stability for an entire household. Especially impactful for the young and unemployed, these opportunities provide a beacon of hope.

The project’s developers, ACWA Power, have also uplifted the local community. In partnership with the University of Stellenbosch, they have brought hydroponic farming to local communities. This innovative farming method opens up new markets and income opportunities, fostering economic growth and improved living conditions.

The Redstone Thermal power plant stands as a testament to innovation and resilience. It symbolizes hope, a beacon of sustainable development and social progress. As it generates clean, reliable energy, it uplifts the community and paves the way for a brighter, greener future.