Engie Africa, a subsidiary of the French energy conglomerate ENGIE, has connected the 75 MW Grootspruit solar power plant to South Africa’s national grid. The facility, located in the Free State province, was developed with Pele Green Energy under the fifth round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP).
Constructed at an estimated cost of ZAR 1.4 billion (approx. US$76.4 million), the solar energy facility is expected to meet the electricity needs of approximately 80,000 South African households, and help South Africa offset about 50,000 tons of CO2 per year. All power generated by the facility will be sold to state-owned utility Eskom.
Grootspruit is one of two PV power plants to be built by Engie and Pele as part of Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). The consortium is building the 75 MW Graspan solar PV plant in the Northern Cape, which is expected to be commissioned before the end of the year.
“We are proud of these projects not only for the power they will generate but also for the structural development they will bring to local communities and the country as a whole. Collaborating with ENGIE, who are dedicated to a genuine partnership in realizing these projects, is truly exciting,” said Ronald Chindeka, Head of Investment and Funding at Pele.
Aurex Constructors and Ablon Construction were selected as the preferred contractors for the projects.
Stuart Kent, CEO of Aurex Constructors, stated, “Aurex Constructors’ award of the design and construction of the Grootspruit Solar Project reaffirms our commitment to providing sustainable solutions to South Africa’s energy challenges. This landmark project underpins our dedication to supporting a just energy transition, creating job opportunities, and promoting skills development in the local community.”
Lizelle Pike, Ablon Construction Manager, commented, “As Ablon Construction, a company deeply rooted in the local community for the past 24 years, we are honoured and excited to be part of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Grootspruit PV Solar Farm. This collaboration between all stakeholders is a significant step toward a successful project that will contribute to South Africa’s clean energy goals.”
