Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has extended its request for proposals (RFP) deadline for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal project at the Richards Bay port to July 14.
This will allow more time for bidders to conclude negotiation agreements, set up a consortium and its financial structures, and conduct the necessary feasibility studies to ensure high-quality bids.
TNPA issued the RFP in September last year, which seeks to appoint a terminal operator to design, construct, maintain and operate an LNG terminal in Richards Bay. The original deadline was set for December 13, 2022.
This project is in line with the Integrated Resource Plan 2019, which caters for up to 3 000 MW of gas-to-power in the energy mix by 2027. It is
also a response to ensure that the country will have consistent new generation capacity coming on stream to mitigate against loadshedding, and provide diverse energy resources.
TNPA aims to appoint a terminal operator by the end of October.