Construction of South Africa’s 1GW solar plant begins

SolarAfrica Energy has started construction on the first phase of its SunCentral solar park in South Africa's Northern Cape province. This initial phase will have a capacity of about 342 MW and will cost approximately $272m. The project is a public-private partnership with Eskom and is part of South Africa’s REIPPPP initiative to boost clean energy. South Africa aims for a net zero energy system by 2050 and this solar park is crucial in addressing current power shortages and reducing reliance on coal.

• Total capacity of the SunCentral solar park will be 1 GW, built in three phases.

• The first phase will also include a main transmission substation costing around US$54.5m.

• At the end of 2023, 77% of South Africa's 65 GW installed capacity came from thermal sources.

• Solar currently represents 9.5% of South Africa's energy mix.