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Engie starts construction on 75MW solar plant in the Free State

Expected to be completed in 2025, Grootspruit is one of two solar power projects that Engie is building as part of South Africa’s REIPPPP Bid Window 5.

French independent power producer, Engie, in partnership with South African renewable energy IPP, Pele Green Energy, have begun construction on their jointly owned 75MW Grootspruit solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in the Free State province of South Africa.

Expected to be completed in 2025, Grootspruit is one of two solar power projects that Engie is building as part of South Africa’s Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

The other solar plant Engie is building under REIPPPP Bid Window 5, the Graspan solar PV plant is also expected to be completed in 2025, and like Grootspruit it will also be located in the Northern Cape.

Together, the solar energy facilities are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a combined 100,000 tonnes annually, and will assist in fulfilling the electricity requirements of about 80,000 households.

“We are focused on helping to contribute to a more resilient energy landscape in SA. [Due to] our more than 15-year presence in the country with more than 1.6GW of multiple assets in operation, we know that working on such a significant project requires extensive collaboration with partners such as Pele Green Energy and the Free State provincial government, not to mention numerous engineers, builders, contractors, and the like,” said Engie SA CEO Mohamed Hoosen.

Pele Green Energy’s investment and funding head, Ronald Chindeka, added, “We are excited about these projects, which not only contribute to power generation but also stimulate local development. Partnering with Engie, who is committed to genuine collaboration, is a privilege.”

Aurex Constructors and Ablon Construction were chosen as the preferred contractors for the project following a competitive selection process.

“Winning the contract for the Grootspruit solar project highlights our commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions in South Africa. This project is a testament to our dedication to supporting a just energy transition, creating local jobs, and advancing skills development,” said Aurex CEO Stuart Kent.

Ablon Contracts Manager Lizelle Pike stated, “We are excited to be part of the groundbreaking for the Grootspruit solar farm. Our long-standing presence in the local community makes this collaboration especially meaningful and a significant step toward achieving South Africa’s clean energy objectives.”

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