STAG is partnering with Moqhaka Local Municipality to deliver a phased renewable-energy programme for Kroonstad & Viljoenskroon: large-scale solar plus battery energy storage (BESS) together with a staged waste-to-energy (WtE) roll-out that turns municipal waste into reliable power and jobs.
Introduction to Waste-to-Energy
Waste-to-Energy (WtE) is a transformative process that converts municipal solid waste (MSW) into usable energy, typically in the form of electricity or heat, through advanced combustion or other thermal processes. This innovative approach addresses two critical challenges: the growing burden of waste management and the increasing demand for sustainable energy. By incinerating non-recyclable waste, WtE plants generate heat to produce steam, which drives turbines to create electricity. This not only reduces landfill dependency but also mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, as modern WtE facilities incorporate advanced emissions control systems to minimize environmental impact. In Kroonstad, the WtE initiative introduces a unique Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) concept, piloted to optimize waste processing and energy recovery. This bespoke approach, tailored for the Moqhaka Local Municipality, integrates cutting-edge incineration technology with local operational expertise, setting a benchmark for scalable, sustainable waste management solutions in South Africa.
Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
The project complements the WtE plant with a 40 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) system paired with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The solar PV system harnesses sunlight through photovoltaic panels to generate clean, renewable electricity, contributing to the region's energy security. The BESS, an advanced energy storage solution, captures excess solar energy during peak production hours and releases it during periods of high demand or low sunlight, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. This integrated renewable energy system enhances grid resilience, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and supports South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Together, the solar PV and BESS components create a robust, sustainable energy ecosystem that complements the WtE plant’s output.
What we’re building
- Waste-to-Energy: a pilot 5 MW WtE unit is planned, with modular/incineration technology designed for scale-up.
- Solar + BESS: project design documents show configurations that add up to a total 40 MW of solar capacity for Kroonstad and Maokeng, with modular containerised BESS for 2–4 hours of storage.
- Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): a PPA milestone was signed on 18 February 2025, formalising the commercial route to supply Moqhaka with renewable electricity.
Why these matter
- Energy security: Local, predictable electricity to reduce dependence on Eskom and stabilise municipal supply.
- Waste solution + environment: WtE diverts waste from landfill, recovers energy, and reduces greenhouse gas impacts.
- Local economy: The combined programme is projected to create direct and indirect jobs during construction and operations, with strong local procurement and training commitments.
- Strong economics: The feasibility study models positive returns and an expected payback window (project-level financials and ROI are in the feasibility report).
Timeline (high level)
Phased delivery: pilot WtE (Months 12–18), then scale-up and optimization, site / substation protection and initial solar + BESS (Months 1–12).
Call to action
Want to learn more or partner with STAG on Moqhaka’s clean-energy future? Contact STAG for more detail, procurement opportunities, and community engagement schedules.