GreenYellow South Africa has announced the launch of a 4.6 MW photovoltaic project, developed in partnership with real estate company AJP Group. The initiative will span 10 shopping centres located in the East Rand region of Gauteng Province, South Africa. Its objective is to enhance the energy independence of these sites while reducing their exposure to fluctuations in the national coal-powered grid.
The programme includes the installation of over 7,500 solar panels across rooftops and parking lot canopies. These systems are expected to generate 7.5 GWh of electricity annually, amounting to 150 GWh over the twenty-year contractual period. The first phase of construction began in March 2025 at the Brentwood Park shopping centre in Benoni. Completion of all installations is scheduled by September 2025.
A third-party financed energy model with no upfront investment
The agreement is based on a third-party financing model offered by GreenYellow, a subsidiary of Groupe Casino, enabling AJP Group to access this energy solution without initial capital expenditure. GreenYellow South Africa will manage all operational and maintenance aspects, allowing AJP Group to focus on core activities while securing its electricity consumption.
The associated Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) anticipates a 120% reduction in energy expenditures over the life of the project. This model provides access to stable, competitive energy, reducing exposure to price volatility.
Multi-site energy cost optimisation
The project forms part of a broader multi-site energy strategy, a technical approach GreenYellow has implemented in other markets. The company was selected by AJP Group for its capacity to deliver solutions on active commercial sites without disrupting day-to-day operations. GreenYellow’s experience in designing, operating and maintaining large-scale photovoltaic solutions was a key factor in the partnership.
At an inauguration ceremony held on the AJP campus in Kempton Park, executives from both organisations formalised the partnership. Michael Ilias, Director of GreenYellow South Africa, stated that the project aims to “reduce the group’s reliance on grid electricity while delivering substantial financial returns.” John Baladakis, Chief Executive Officer of AJP Group, noted that the initiative “will further reinforce our commitment to delivering significant value to our stakeholders.”
