SolarAfrica Energy launches groundbreaking 1GW solar farm project in Northern Cape, South Africa

SolarAfrica Energy has officially broken ground on its first utility-scale solar farm, SunCentral, in the Northern Cape. Phase 1 of this ambitious project will generate approximately 342 MW, with subsequent phases expected to increase 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 size would not be possible without the strength of partnership. Eskom’s commitment to partnership with the private sector has been instrumental in helping to address South Africa’s power generation challenges,” McDonald said.

Representatives from the Emthanjeni Municipality and the Chamber of Commerce were present, and Mayor Lulamile Nkumbi expressed strong support for the project and stressed the importance of transparent communication among stakeholders.

Originally developed by Soventix South Africa for the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPP), the rights to the project were sold to SolarAfrica. Soventix will continue work on Phases 2 and 3. Engineering and construction (EPC) firms Proconics and Sinohydro will play key roles, with Proconics handling the installation of the main transmission substation (MTS) and Sinohydro handling the installation of over 500 000 solar panels.

Phase 1 involves an investment of almost R5 billion, of which R1 billion is for MTS and R4 billion for the solar installation. McDonald emphasised that such investments strengthen the national grid’s ability to manage and distribute energy.

Located between Hanover and De Aar, SunCentral will implement several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in partnership with local leaders to benefit the surrounding communities. These initiatives will be aligned with community needs assessments, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the National Development Plan and the strategic goals of the local municipality of Emthanjeni.

At the national level, SunCentral aims to relieve Eskom of the burden of generating power through public-private partnerships, thereby solving South Africa’s energy challenges.

SunCentral will provide affordable, green energy to South African businesses via wheeling, enabling more businesses to access cheaper, cleaner energy. This approach will support 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 energy.

Phase 1 has already secured customers such as Vantage Data Centers, ATTACQ and Enpower Trading. As Phases 2 and 3 progress, more companies will have the opportunity to join the project. SolarAfrica is also finalizing other solar projects across the country, aiming for a portfolio of over 3 GW.

“The groundbreaking of SunCentral is a shared achievement that highlights the potential of Wheeling, South Africa,” McDonald concluded. “We are ready to fully realize this potential, contributing to a sustainable energy supply for our customers and wider communities.”

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