Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure embedded or wheeled waste-to-energy power generation capacity for the City of Cape Town over a 20-year period. The program aims to enhance energy security, diversify energy sources, and integrate waste management with electricity generation by establishing independent power producers (IPPs) capable of delivering renewable energy into the municipal grid.

Scope

The scope encompasses the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of waste-to-energy facilities, including waste processing and energy conversion systems, connected to the City’s distribution network. Successful bidders will enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for up to 20 years, supplying electricity at agreed rates and conditions. The program encourages both new build and existing plants, with capacity limits, technical standards, and environmental compliance requirements specified. The scope also includes fuel/waste feedstock sourcing, environmental management, and grid connection responsibilities.

Technical Requirements

The technical criteria include:

• Minimum contracted capacity of 5 MWac.
• Use of proven, utility-scale waste-to-energy technology (biomass, anaerobic digestion, landfill gas, CHP, turbines, fuel cells, etc.).
• Plant location within South Africa, with detailed site boundaries and GPS coordinates.
• Grid connection at specified voltages (e.g., 11 kV) and compliance with standards such as EEB 705, SANS 474/NRS 057, and other relevant standards.
• Ability to operate with a capacity factor aligned with P90 generation estimates.
• Provision of detailed hourly, daily, and annual generation profiles, including plant location, plant capacity, and infrastructure details.
• Environmental and safety standards compliance, including emissions, waste handling, and occupational health and safety.
• Integration with existing or new infrastructure, with responsibilities for permits, grid connection, and fuel sourcing falling on the bidder.

Skills and Skills Requirements

The tender emphasizes the need for:

• Proven experience in developing, financing, constructing, and operating waste-to-energy projects, with evidence of successful project completion (minimum 1 MW capacity) and operational continuity over at least 12 months.
• Financial capability demonstrated through evidence of financial close and project financing arrangements.
• Technical expertise in renewable energy plant design, construction, and maintenance, including compliance with technical standards and environmental regulations.
• Project management skills, including scheduling, procurement, and risk mitigation, supported by detailed project schedules and progress reports.
• Environmental management and occupational health and safety competence, with documented policies and plans.
• Legal and contractual expertise to negotiate and execute PPAs, grid connection agreements, and other project-related contracts.
• Ability to source and manage waste feedstock sustainably and reliably.
• Experience in environmental compliance, emissions monitoring, and reporting.

Summary

This tender seeks experienced, financially capable, and technically proficient independent power producers to develop waste-to-energy projects that meet specified capacity, environmental, and grid standards. The successful bidders will deliver reliable renewable energy over a 20-year period, supporting Cape Town’s energy diversification and waste management goals.