2026-07 - totalenergies hydra storage plant

TotalEnergies is developing a 700 MW portfolio of renewable energy projects in South Africa.

This portfolio includes the 86 MW Prieska solar plant, in operation since 2016, and three new utility-scale plants that are set to be commissioned in the Northern Cape by the end of 2026:

TotalEnergies Hydra Storage

The largest hybrid renewable energy project in Africa, combining a 216 MW solar plant with a 500 MWh battery storage system. This facility will deliver clean firm power to the national grid between 05:00 and 21:30, corresponding to more than 400 GWh of electricity per year and equivalent to supplying clean electricity to nearly 200,000 South African households.

SAL PV and Wind

A 120 MW solar project, and a 140 MW wind project, expected to generate 910 GWh per year, sold to Sasol and Air Liquide and contributing to the decarbonisation of their activities.

Environmental Management and Compliance

Environmental sustainability is a key component of the TEHS Project. Construction activities were undertaken in accordance with approved Environmental Authorisations (EAs), Environmental Management Programmes (EMPrs), and applicable environmental legislation.

An independent Environmental Control Officer (ECO) was appointed to monitor environmental compliance throughout the construction phase. The ECO was responsible for overseeing the implementation of environmental mitigation measures, monitoring compliance with the conditions of the EAs and EMPrs, and identifying opportunities for continual environmental improvement.

The ECO conducted regular site inspections and audits to assess environmental performance, identify potential risks, and provide recommendations for corrective actions where required. Compliance monitoring was undertaken against the following key approvals and management documents:

Mulilo De Aar PV1 (DEA Reference: 12/12/20/2499)
Badenhorst Solar PV2 (DEA Reference: 14/12/16/3/3/2/504)
Badenhorst Solar PV3 (DEA Reference: 14/12/16/3/3/2/483)
MTHS Grid LILO (DFFE Reference: 14/12/16/3/3/1/2323/1)
Environmental Management Programmes for PV1 (100 MW), PV2 (75 MW) and PV3 (75 MW)
Hydra Main Transmission Substation Grid EMPr
Eskom Generic Overhead Power Line and Substation EMPr
Applicable South African environmental legislation and regulatory requirements.

Through proactive environmental management, regular compliance monitoring, and stakeholder engagement, the TEHS Project aims to ensure that renewable energy infrastructure is developed responsibly while protecting environmental and social resources within the project area. The project demonstrates TotalEnergies’ commitment to sustainable development, responsible renewable energy generation, and long-term environmental stewardship in South Africa.

Regulation 34 Environmental Audit Reports

In accordance with Regulation 34 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014, promulgated under the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) and as amended, independent environmental audits are conducted to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of environmental management measures and to verify compliance with the conditions of the respective Environmental Authorisations.

The end of construction Regulation 34 Environmental Audit Reports for the TEHS Project and associated grid infrastructure have been completed by an independent environmental auditor and submitted to the relevant competent authorities within the prescribed timeframes.

The audits were undertaken for the above listed EAs and EMPrs. The purpose of these audits is to assess environmental performance during project implementation, identify areas requiring improvement, verify compliance with environmental commitments, and ensure that mitigation measures continue to be effectively implemented throughout the construction phase.

Notice to Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs)

As part of TotalEnergies' commitment to maintaining open communication with stakeholders, notice is hereby provided in terms of Regulation 34(6) of the EIA Regulations, 2014, that the Regulation 34 Environmental Audit Reports for the abovementioned projects have been completed and submitted to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) on 28 July 2026.

Copies of the audit reports are available for review and may be accessed through the links provided below.