The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is the appointed Management Authority for the provincial nature reserves in the Mpumalanga Province. The mandate of the agency is to ensure the protection and sustainable development of the nature reserves under its jurisdiction.
Seven of the provincial nature reserves, by virtue of their natural assets, size and location offer viable opportunities for the development of tourism enterprises. The MTPA is looking for potential investors who may be interested in investing in these nature reserves.
Development of a hydroelectric power station
Among the investment opportunities identified by the MTPA is the proposed development of a hydropower station at the Blydepoort (or Blyderivierspoort) Dam, a lower arch dam in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, with a dam wall height of 71m and depth of 22m. The power station’s anticipated output is 11,8 GWh per year.
The implementation of a hydroelectric power station at the dam wall of the Blydepoort Dam will be commercially viable, on condition that a successful Power Purchase Agreement can be secured that is based on the renewable energy feed-in tariffs (REFIT) structure. The project takes advantage of the existing dam, which is suitable for such a power station.
Feasibility Study completed.
Generated electricity will enhance local economic development and biodiversity conservation while contributing to climate change mitigation. The project will also benefit land claimants and neighboring communities to the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.
Partnerships sought: Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Joint Venture (JV), Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT).
Project Cost: R63-million
Contact / Enquire
Potential investors seeking more information and/or to engage in a conversation in this regard are encouraged to contact the project team with a brief introduction;
