Eskom selects partner for hydroelectric project

Eskom, South Africa's public electricity operator, announced on October 13 the launch of a selection process for a strategic partner to develop, finance, and implement the Tubatse hydroelectric storage project in the Limpopo province.

Application deadline set for November 30

Interested companies have until November 30 to submit their applications, followed by a second phase of bidding. The project is part of Eskom's broader efforts to expand its renewable energy capacity.

Tubatse project details

The planned facility, located near Roossenekal, will have a capacity of 1,500 MW and a storage capacity of 21 GWh, allowing it to produce electricity for 14 hours at full power. It will use pumped-storage hydroelectric technology, which produces and stores electricity by pumping water into an elevated reservoir and then returning it to the grid when needed.

Estimated cost and funding

The project is estimated to cost 40 billion rand (approximately 2.426 billion USD), according to its entry in the "South Africa Investment Project Book 2026." In November 2024, Eskom received a European grant of 6.5 million euros (approximately 7.28 million USD) implemented by the French Development Agency (AFD) to support its preparation and facilitate private sector participation.

Eskom Green and future goals

The project is part of Eskom Green, its subsidiary dedicated to renewable energy launched in June 2026, which aims for approximately 6 GW of decarbonized electricity by 2030, with a portfolio potentially reaching 32 GW by 2040.

Separate partner selection for renewable program

On Friday, October 9, the operator also initiated a separate partner selection process for a renewable energy and storage program up to 6 GW. This initiative aligns with South Africa's national energy transition goals.

Tubatse as a national priority

Classified among the 12 priority national projects of South Africa and integrated into the country's equitable energy transition program, Tubatse would complement the three pumped-storage power plants operated by Eskom: Ingula (1,332 MW), Drakensberg (1,000 MW), and Palmiet (400 MW).

Tubatse's capacity and significance

With a capacity of 1,500 MW, Tubatse would even become the most powerful of these units, marking a significant step in South Africa's shift toward renewable energy infrastructure.