100MW Ilanga CSP1 back in operation after 48 hours.
The 100 MW Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Plant, Karoeshoek was back in operation after 48 hours , after experiencing unusual high stormy winds, on Saturday March 8, 2025. Information indicates that the Southern side of the solar field (subfields 8, 10 and 11) was subjected to severe, uncommon, localised high wind speeds. Further information states that the Southeast weather station registered a maximum wind speed of 40.9 m/s with the solar field that has been designed to withstand a maximum wind speed of 31 m/s). This incident led to the breakage of a number of mirrors, punched arms (to which the mirrors are attached) and receiver tubes in subfields 8, 10 and 11.
On Sunday, March 09, 2025, a high-level inspection of the
solar field and power block was conducted by the Ilanga CSP1 and Operator teams
to ascertain the extent of the damage. Subfields 8, 10 and 11 were isolated due
to the severity of the damage from the high winds.
The plant managed to produce 87% of the Facility Power
Model’s expected output for the day by Tuesday and has been operating and
feeding electricity to the grid since then. Zero injuries to staff were
reported including zero Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) spillage.
