16 INVESTMENT
16 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY PRIESKA POWER RESERVE Renewable energy will power an ammonia plant The project, located within the industrial area of Prieska, was initiated by the Central Energy Corporation (CENEC) during 2018 and developed in partnership with Mahlako A Phahla Investments (Pty) Ltd and the Industrial Development Corporation. The Prieska Power Reserve Project has been gazetted under Infrastructure South Africa as a Strategic Integrated Project (SIP). DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT The first phase of the project involves producing more than 77 000 tons of green ammonia per year, with a green hydrogen content of approximately 13 800 tons per year from 2026. The project makes use of renewable energy sources, including 180MWp solar, fixed-tilt and single-axis tracking, 130MWp of wind and 110MWh of battery storage. Construction of the ammonia-production facility will begin in 2023 and will include a 140MW electrolyser and 300mtpd Ammonia Synthesiser, which will be operational in 2026. The project intends to incorporate next-generation technology that is more affordable and more efficient, hence unlocking additional economies of scale that will make the selling price competitive when compared to grey ammonia/hydrogen. TARGETED SECTORS The project focuses on the following sectors: renewable energy, hydrogen fuel and ammonia fertiliser. INVESTMENT VALUE Total value: R10.7-billion PROJECT FINANCED BY Equity partners and investors; BBBEE equity partners and investors. PROJECT STATUS The Prieska Power Reserve Project is a Strategic Integrated Project (SIP). The project is far advanced. A Feasibility Study has the following main focus areas: • Legal and spatial: land and environmental rights and permits • Statutory: SPV, structure and governance • Technical feasibility: detailed technical design and capital expenditure costing • Bankable financial model and structuring and arranging of debt and equity funding • Marketing: off-take agreements PARTNERSHIPS Private developers and project owners: Central Energy Corporation and Mahlako A Phahla Investments (Pty) Ltd Development finance institutions: IDC Local government (land owner): Siyathemba Local Municipality MAIN PROJECT CONTACTS Mr Jaco Kellerman Cell: 082 469 4598 Tel: 031 266 5511 e-mail: jaco.k@cenec.com or jaco@projecon.co.za JOB CREATION Permanent employees: 300 post construction, supported by 25 young professionals and 75 artisans
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY QUIVER BIOMASS INDUSTRIES Harvesting biomass for charcoal and energy Quiver Green Group (Pty) Ltd is classified as an ecosystem-based adaptation business. As a bio-economy sector enterprise it operates throughout the various value chains of the green economy in South Africa, with a primary focus on the Northern Cape. The business focuses on harvesting biomass for firewood, woodchips, charcoal production and for the establishment of a bioenergy generation plant. Plants are to be located in the towns of Barkly West (Frances Baard District Municipality), Prieska and Carnarvon, both of which fall under the Pixley ka Seme District Municipality. Quiver Biomass Industries as a project is active in both downstream and upstream economic opportunities of the biomass value chain utilising and beneficiating biomass sourced from clearing invasive alien plant species and bush-thinning of woody species. The benefits from this biomass beneficiation project are significant as they contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation and result in various other benefits such as: economic benefits in the bioeconomy; environmental benefits which speak to biodiversity and ecological benefits; and social impact benefits that are aligned to driving a Just Energy Transition. PRODUCTS Quiver Biomass Industries will produce value-added products for the following domestic and international markets: • Energy market: pellets and woodchips • Pyrolisis market: charcoal and activated-carbon products • Agricultural input market: soil additives and animal feeds • Carbon/compost market: biochar and sequestration products • Restoration market: landscape clearing and restoration products • Timber/fibre market: eco-furniture and innovative green building materials • Niche markets: biofuels and chemicals Quiver Green Group (Pty) Ltd is currently looking for future export markets to sell 10 000 tons of environmentally friendly charcoal per annum, as well as export markets for its woodchips. TARGETED SECTORS • Primary: green economy and bioeconomy • Secondary: cross-cutting sectors through value addition in manufacturing, trade and energy sectors INVESTMENT VALUE Phase 1: R50-million Phase 2: R100-million JOB CREATION Minimum of 16 rural micro-enterprises and 256 to 500 direct and indirect jobs within five years from establishment. PROJECT FINANCED BY Public-private-partnership (PPP); equity partners and investors; commercial companies; industrial companies. Advisors still required. PROJECT STATUS • Project feasibility and business case complete • Government approval and procurement stage PARTNERSHIPS • Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism • Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform PROJECT CONTACTS Department of Economic Development and Tourism Manager: Trade and Investment: Riaan Warie Tel: 079 877 2828 Quiver Green Group (Pty) Ltd Managing Director: P du Toit Tel: 078 600 5156 Email: polycarpd@gmail.com
