Amsterdam-based renewable energy firm Photon Energy Group is making significant strides in South Africa’s clean energy sector with the development of a 250-megawatt (MW) concentrated solar photovoltaic (PV) plant integrated with 150 MW/1.8 GWh of thermal hydro storage in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal.
The innovative project, leveraging RayGen Resources Pty Ltd’s advanced solar hydro technology, is designed to provide up to 12 hours of dispatch-able power.
This system combines concentrated solar power with water-based thermal storage, offering a sustainable solution to South Africa’s ongoing energy supply challenges.
Photon Energy currently holds a 5.44% equity stake in RayGen, strengthening their strategic partnership.
“We are committed to contributing to South Africa’s energy stability by deploying RayGen’s cutting-edge technology and fostering strong collaboration with Eskom and local stakeholders,” said Georg Hotar, CEO of Photon Energy Group. “This project will not only stabilize the grid but also deliver long-term environmental and economic benefits to local communities.”
The company also secured 1,200 hectares of land for the project and has received favorable grid connection terms.
This development marks a crucial step toward addressing South Africa’s energy crisis, characterized by frequent blackouts due to supply shortages. The company is working closely with Eskom, Africa’s largest electricity provider, to design and implement technical solutions that will enhance power distribution and grid efficiency.
“The integration of this plant into our national grid will support frequency regulation and peak demand management,” an Eskom official stated, underscoring the importance of innovative solutions in tackling South Africa’s power supply issues.
In addition, The environmental impact assessment (EIA) is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025, with zoning processes already underway.
Moreover, Photon Energy is pursuing strategic integrated project (SIP) designation and has initiated its application for an energy license with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).
Photon Energy anticipates reaching ready-to-build status by the second quarter of 2026, positioning the project as a key driver in South Africa’s transition to sustainable energy.
Photon Energy’s investment in RayGen since 2020 has positioned the company as a leader in deploying long-duration energy storage solutions in Africa. The Winterton project is set to play a critical role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating load shedding, and accelerating South Africa’s shift toward clean energy.
“With this project, we are not just investing in infrastructure but in South Africa’s energy future,” Hotar emphasized.
As South Africa continues to grapple with energy insecurity, projects like Photon Energy’s solar hydro plant signal a promising shift towards a more stable and sustainable power supply.
