Boikarabelo power station (Resgen)
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Boikarabelo power station (Resgen) is a cancelled power station in Waterberg Coalfield, Limpopo, South Africa.
Location
Table 1: Project-level location details
| Plant name | Location | Coordinates (WGS 84) |
|---|---|---|
| Boikarabelo power station (Resgen) | Waterberg Coalfield, Limpopo, South Africa | -26.0, 27.545833 (approximate) |
The map below shows the approximate location of the power station.
Project Details
Table 2: Unit-level details
| Unit name | Status | Fuel(s) | Capacity (MW) | Technology | Start year | Retired year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | cancelled | coal - unknown | 600 | unknown | – | – |
Table 3: Unit-level ownership and operator details
| Unit name | Owner |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Resource Generation (ResGen) [100.0%] |
Project-level coal details
- Coal source(s): Boikarabelo mine
Financing
- Source of financing: HAB & JPR Privée (for the mine)
Background
Restoration Generation's (Resgen) 2012 environmental impact assessment stated that the power station "will be completed in two phases. Phase I involves the construction of a power station with a capacity of 45MW, and the electricity generated will be utilised as a direct electricity supply to the Boikarabelo Coal Mine operation. In Phase II, it is proposed that the 45MW Power Station will be expanded to a potential capacity of up to 260 MW, and surplus electricity could potentially be fed into the National grid, providing additional power stability to the region." The envisaged Boikarabelo power station would combust middlings coal from the Boikarabelo Coal Mine for the generation of electricity.[1]
On the project's schedule, the report stated: "It is envisaged that the construction of the proposed Boikarabelo Power Station will commence in 2013 off-site initially. Construction will take place over a period of 24-30 months for Phase I (45MW), and 30-40 months for Phase II (215MW). It is envisaged that the power station will be fully operational by 2015 and will last for approximately 40 years, after which it may be decommissioned. Phase II will only commence post-2018 in the event that there are requirements for electricity supply in the surrounding area."[1]
In July 2016, Resgen said it was investigating the potential of building a 600 MW coal-fired power station following the receipt and review of a concept feasibility study for a 300 MW power station. The company said the larger power station presented a more compelling economic case and would begin feasibility studies for a 600 MW coal plant.[2]
However, development of the plant is dependent on development of the Boikarabelo mine, which has been delayed as Resgen struggles to secure financing. With no progress on the plant since the project's EIA in 2012, the plant proposal appears to be delayed indefinitely.
Boikarabelo mine
Mining at the Boikarabelo Coal Mine was scheduled for late 2013.[3] However, after more than a decade in development, the project is delayed logistically and financially, and Resgen's capacity to develop the mine has been thrown into doubt.[4]
After more than a decade of development, Resgen made an announcement in April 2021 stating that funding for the project had been halted and that the CFO and COO had stepped down.[5] In July 2021, the company went into administration and meetings with creditors were on the books.[6]
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (Efic) Financing
In May 2017, Jubilee Australia Research Centre and the Australia Institute published a report urging the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (Efic), Australia's export finance agency, not to finance the Boikarabelo Coal Mine and associated power station based on the poor standard of environmental and social assessment applied to the project and on Australia's export credit agreement with other OECD countries.[7]
Articles and Resources
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Boikarabelo power station: Draft environmental impact assessment report," Resgen, September 2012
- ↑ "Resgen eyes Q4 mobilisation of Boikarabelo EPC contractors," Mining Weekly, July 12, 2016
- ↑ "New Power Station may push Boikarabelo Coal Mine Expansion," Bulk, July 6, 2011
- ↑ Boikarabelo Coal Mine
- ↑ "Resgen cut off from further Noble funding, senior executives resign," Mining Weekly, April 16, 2021
- ↑ "ResGen goes into administration," Mining Weekly, July 6, 2021
- ↑ "African white elephant: Should Australian taxpayers finance a South African coal mine?" Jubilee Australia Research Centre and the Australia Institute, May 2017
Additional data
To access additional data, including an interactive map of coal-fired power stations, a downloadable dataset, and summary data, please visit the Global Coal Plant Tracker on the Global Energy Monitor website.
