Eskom Holdings has launched a strategic partner selection process for the proposed 1.5GW Tubatse Pumped Storage Scheme in Limpopo, South Africa, inviting organisations to participate in its development, financing and delivery.
Located near Roossenekal, Tubatse would become the country’s largest pumped storage scheme, providing approximately 21GWh of energy storage through four reversible pump-turbine units. The facility would be able to generate at full output for up to 14 hours, supporting renewable energy integration, system balancing and grid reliability.
The Request for Qualification is the first stage of a competitive procurement process. Eskom is seeking financially capable partners with proven pumped storage or large infrastructure experience, the ability to finance and deliver bankable projects, and a commitment to local economic development. Qualified respondents will be invited to a subsequent Request for Proposal stage.
The project forms part of Eskom Green’s planned portfolio of renewable energy and storage developments. Eskom Green is targeting up to 6GW by 2030, expanding to 21GW by 2035 and up to 32GW by 2040, including 5GW of hydro and pumped storage.
“Tubatse is more than a pumped storage project. It is a cornerstone of Eskom Green’s ambition to develop the infrastructure required for a modern, low-carbon electricity system,” said Rivoningo Mnisi, Group Executive: Renewables. “By combining Eskom’s development experience with private-sector expertise and investment, we aim to unlock the full potential of this project while supporting economic growth, localisation and skills development.”
Alongside its storage capability, Tubatse is expected to provide fast frequency response, operating reserves and voltage support. Its longer discharge duration would complement shorter-duration battery systems during extended periods of peak demand.
“As South Africa advances its energy transition, long-duration storage will be essential to maintaining a reliable and resilient power system. Tubatse will provide the flexibility needed to integrate increasing volumes of renewable energy while strengthening grid stability and security of supply,” added Dan Marokane, Eskom Group Chief Executive.
Eskom said the required land has been secured and environmental authorisation granted. Key technical studies and access-road designs are at an advanced stage, while grid connection studies have progressed. The Department of Water and Sanitation has also confirmed water availability from De Hoop Dam.
Tubatse has been designated a Strategic Integrated Project, SIP 20d, by Infrastructure South Africa, classified among the country’s top 12 national priority projects and included in the Just Energy Transition Programme.
Eskom is exploring several offtake routes. Its preferred option is an allocation of pumped storage capacity under the Integrated Resource Plan of 2025, followed by a ministerial determination to support a long-term power purchase or capacity agreement with the National Transmission Company South Africa. Eskom has begun seeking that allocation.
The selected partner will be expected to structure an investment case that can accommodate either this route or capacity contracted wholly or partly through bilateral arrangements and the emerging competitive market. Potential alternatives include private-buyer offtake and wheeling arrangements, ancillary and system services, and energy trading, subject to the applicable regulatory framework.
The project is expected to be housed in a ring-fenced special purpose vehicle. Funding options may include limited-recourse debt, potentially supplemented by development finance institution, concessional or other approved funding instruments. Detailed partnership, ownership and commercial terms will be set out in the RFP.
Eskom currently operates 2732MW of pumped storage capacity across Drakensberg, Palmiet and Ingula, alongside 661MW of conventional hydroelectric capacity, primarily at Gariep and Vanderkloof.
A virtual, non-compulsory clarification meeting will take place on 29 October 2026 from 11:00 to 13:00 SAST. RFQ responses must be submitted electronically through the Eskom e-tendering portal by 10:00 SAST on 30 November 2026.
Eskom Holdings will administer the procurement while Eskom Green’s incorporation is completed. Once incorporated, Eskom Green will be wholly owned by Eskom Holdings and may assume administration of the process.
