A new project has been launched in South Africa. It’s the Grootspruit solar farm in the province of Free State. The project is being developed by French energy company Engie in partnership with South African independent power producer (IPP) Pele Green Energy. Once the foundation stone for the power station had been laid, the two partners awarded the contract to Aurex Constructors and Ablon Construction.

The two South African companies will build a 75 MWp photovoltaic solar power plant in the Lejweleputswa district. “Awarding Aurex Constructors 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 underlines our commitment to supporting a just energy transition, creating employment opportunities and promoting skills development within the local community,” said Stuart Kent, Managing Director of Aurex Constructors.

The plant is due to come on stream in 2025. The electricity produced will be fed into South Africa’s national grid under a power purchase agreement signed with state-owned utility Eskom. Grootspruit is one of two solar power plants that Engie is currently building in the rainbow nation.

In the Northern Cape province, the French company is building the Graspan photovoltaic solar power plant (75 MWp), which is also due to come on stream in 2025. According to Engie, the Grootspruit and Graspan plants are expected to reduce South Africa’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 100,000 tonnes a year, helping to meet the electricity needs of around 80,000 South African households.

Jean Marie Takouleu