ENGIE launches two solar power plants in South Africa

ENGIE has reached a key milestone with the commercial closing of two solar photovoltaic projects in South Africa. These projects are part of the Bid Window Five (BW5) of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Producers Independent Power Purchase Program (REIPPPP). This follows the signing of the power purchase and implementation agreements with Eskom and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in December 2022.

The two plants, Grootspruit PV and Graspan Solar PV, will each have a contracted capacity of 75 MW. ENGIE will build and operate the facilities in partnership with Pele Green Energy. Grootspruit PV will be erected in the Free State province, while Graspan Solar PV will be built in the Northern Cape province. Construction will start in early 2024 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.

ENGIE’s commitment in South Africa

Mohamed Hoosen, CEO of ENGIE South Africa and Managing Director of Renewables for Asia, Middle East and Africa, expressed his enthusiasm for the success of the BW5 projects. It underlines ENGIE’s commitment to South Africa’s long-term goals, as set out in the National Development Plan. ENGIE already operates more than 1 GW of energy in the country through its assets.

Contribution from Pele Green Energy

Gqi Raoleka, Managing Director of Pele Green Energy, shared his enthusiasm about this milestone in the partnership with ENGIE. He sees this as a significant contribution to the national agenda and a sustainable energy solution for South Africa.

Environmental and Energy Impact of Power Plants

These two solar power plants will enable ENGIE to generate up to 150 MW of clean, affordable and reliable electricity over 20 years. They are expected to reduce South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions by 100,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, and help meet the electricity needs of around 80,000 South African households.

Other ENGIE projects in South Africa

ENGIE currently owns, operates and maintains two concentrated solar power (CSP) plants – Xina Solar One (100 MW) in Pofadder and Kathu Solar Park (100 MW) in Kathu. In addition, ENGIE owns and operates a West Coast 1 onshore wind farm (94 MW), two solar photovoltaic power plants, Aurora and Vredendal (21 MW), and two peak-load thermal power plants (Avon 670 MW and Dedisa 335 MW). The company is also finalizing the acquisition of BTE Renewables and working on the financial closing of the OYA hybrid project.

ENGIE’s initiative to develop two new solar photovoltaic power plants in South Africa represents a significant step in the country’s energy transition and in ENGIE’s strategy for a more sustainable future.