NuPlanet

NuPlanet is a hydropower development company based in South Africa and developing projects across Sub Sahara Africa.

As one of the first independent power plant (IPP) developers in South Africa and behind award winning projects, we pride ourselves on our innovation, long-term vision, ethical business practices and our commitment to sustainable development.

History

Our focus is on the development, construction and operation of green-field and refurbished independent power plants (IPPs) in the range of 5MW to 50 MW across Southern Africa.

We have successfully developed the 7MW Bethlehem Hydro IPP, the first green field hydro to be built in South Africa since the mid 1980s, and the 5MW Stortemelk project, which was one of the first two hydro project under the South African government's renewable energy independent power programme (REIPP). Combined with the new projects we are currently developing, our track record places NuPlanet as the foremost developer and long-term investor in the hydropower sector in South Africa.

NuPlanet has roots going back to a Netherlands based project management consulting group established in 2000. From our initial focus on project management consulting on projects in over 20 countries, the company has evolved and restructured to emerge as a wholly owned, hydro-focused, South African company in 2006.

NuPlanet is a member of the South African National Energy Agency (SANEA): www.sanea.org.za

NuPlanet is a corporate member of the International Hydropower Association (IHA): www.hydropower.org

Ownership

NuPlanet is owned by its directors and the Mertech Group, a South African private investment fund. The investment into NuPlanet by Mertech funds provides NuPlanet with the capital and resources required to fully develop projects from concept to financial closure.

Project Development

NuPlanet's role in the development of hydro power projects typically starts with site identification and pre-feasibility assessments and continues through financial closure and construction up to plant operation. NuPlanet's in-house know-how, experience and resources combined with the specialist technical inputs from leading international consultants enable us to fast track the various components of project development: securing development rights, technical feasibility studies, licensing, financing as well as the engineering procurement and contracting process. We invest on commercial terms and are committed to high social, environmental and ethical standards throughout our business.

Our business model is based on active ownership and responsible, sustainable development of renewable energy. Our projects are developed in close co-operation with all stakeholders: land owners, financial institutions, governmental authorities and particularly local communities.

Ethical business practise

NuPlanet does not engage in bribery and will not tolerate any corrupt activities in the development, construction or operation of its projects. In support of our ethical business practice principles, NuPlanet ensures that is development activities complies with the requirements of both the Equator Principles (Lenders Requirements) and International Finance Corporations (IFC) Performance Standards. Our compliance is confirmed by regular audits by independent contractors.

Projects

Operational projects

Bethlehem Hydro
For more information on Bethlehem Hydro visit www.bethlehemhydro.co.za

Projects under construction

Stortemelk Hydro
Projects under development
NuPlanet has obtained exclusive development rights on a number of other projects in Southern Africa. These green field projects will have total combined installed capacity of 13 MW and will cost an estimated USD 50 million to construct.

Boston Hydro
Great Zimbabwe Hydro
Green House Gas Emission Reductions
All the projects that NuPlanet owns or develops will result in the reduction of green house gas emmisions. NuPlanet sells the resulting emission reductions under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) or other suitable emission trading regimes.

Bethlehem Hydro was one of the first three registered CDM projects in South Africa and will result in the reduction of some 40 000 tons of CO2 per annum. The projects currently under construction or development will result in savings of a further 60 000 tons of CO2 per annum