SolarAfrica Energy has officially commenced construction of its first utility-scale solar farm, SunCentral, in the Northern Cape.
Phase 1 of this ambitious project will generate around 342 MW, with subsequent phases increasing the total capacity to 1 GW, making it one of the largest solar projects in South Africa.
David McDonald, CEO of SolarAfrica Energy, highlighted the importance of collaboration during the groundbreaking ceremony. “A project of this magnitude wouldn’t have been possible without the power of partnerships. Eskom’s dedication to partnering with the private sector has been instrumental in addressing South Africa’s power generation struggles,” McDonald said.
Representatives from Emthanjeni Municipality and Business Chamber were present, with Mayor Lulamile Nkumbi expressing strong support for the project and the importance of transparent communication among stakeholders.
Originally developed by Soventix South Africa for the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPP), the project rights were sold to SolarAfrica.
Soventix will continue to develop Phases 2 and 3. Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) firms Proconics and Sinohydro will play crucial roles, with Proconics handling the installation of the Main Transmission Substation (MTS) and Sinohydro managing the installation of over 500,000 solar panels.
Phase 1 involves an investment of nearly R5 billion, with R1 billion allocated to the MTS and R4 billion to the solar installation. McDonald emphasized that such investments bolster the national grid’s capacity to manage and distribute power.
Located between Hanover and De Aar, SunCentral will implement several corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects in partnership with local leaders to benefit surrounding communities.
These initiatives will align with community needs assessments, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the National Development Plan, and the strategic objectives of the Emthanjeni Local Municipality.
Nationally, SunCentral aims to alleviate the generation burden on Eskom through public-private partnerships, addressing South Africa’s power challenges.
SunCentral will provide affordable, green energy to South African businesses via wheeling, enabling more companies to access cheaper and cleaner power.
This approach supports economic growth in the commercial and industrial sectors while helping businesses combat rising electricity tariffs and achieve sustainability goals.
SolarAfrica offers a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement for businesses interested in accessing this power. Phase 1 has already secured customers such as Vantage Data Centers, ATTACQ, and Enpower Trading.
As Phases 2 and 3 progress, more businesses will have the opportunity to join the project. SolarAfrica is also finalizing other solar projects across the country, aiming for a generation portfolio of over 3 GW.
“Breaking ground on SunCentral is a collective achievement that underscores the potential of wheeling in South Africa,” McDonald concluded.
“We are poised to harness this potential fully, contributing to a sustainable energy supply for our customers and broader communities.”
Source: SolarQuater