Renewable energy company Scatec planted quiver trees at its Kenhardt site in the Northern Cape to preserve and ensure an increase of the plant species in the local habitat.
RENEWABLE energy company Scatec planted quiver trees at its Kenhardt site to increase the succulent species in the local habitat as it has been listed on the national flora red list due to climate change conditions.
The Renewable Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Program is currently under construction in Kenhardt and is expected to produce a total solar capacity of 540 megawatt (MW), battery storage capacity of 225MW or 1,140 megawatts per hour (MWh), and provide 150MW of dispatchable renewable power under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Scatec environmental and social manager HP van Heerden stated that Kenhardt was rich in biodiversity.
“We had to ensure that we take every precaution to minimise any environmental impact. Our environmental licence in the area gave us a very clear mandate to protect these trees while we work,” said Van Heerden.
Scatec sub-Saharan Africa executive Jan Fourie added that a specialist team was hired to assist in replanting the trees.
“For every tree that was relocated, an additional 10 quiver trees had to be planted. The quiver tree was not an easy find. The trees were sourced from a nursery that stocked the special trees in the Western Cape. A permit was obtained to transport the quiver trees over the provincial border,” said Fourie.
