- The Tournee Solar Park in Mpumalanga boosts South Africa’s renewable energy sector and accelerates the national energy transition.
- The Red Rocket-led project marks a key milestone in expanding the nation’s clean energy capacity.
Red Rocket, a leading independent power producer (IPP) in South Africa, has secured funding for the Tournee Solar Park in Mpumalanga. This milestone shows strong investor confidence in renewable energy. Absa Bank, Standard Bank, and the Development Bank of Southern Africa will finance the project.
The solar park will deliver 300 MW of contracted capacity and 331 MWp of installed capacity, making it one of South Africa’s most significant solar developments. Red Rocket signed a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Discovery Green to fast-track construction. The plant is expected to begin operations in 2027.
Once completed, the facility will generate about 720 million kWh of clean electricity each year. This will cut around 709,200 tonnes of CO₂e emissions and power roughly 224,000 homes. Furthermore, the project supports South Africa’s broader goal of cutting emissions and diversifying its energy mix.
The Red Rocket Opportunity Trust has joined the project as a partner of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). This partnership promotes inclusion and ensures local communities benefit from the project’s success.
According to CEO Matteo Brambilla, the financial close demonstrates Red Rocket’s strong commitment to renewable energy and strengthens the company’s leadership in the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
Recently, Red Rocket secured three new solar projects under REIPPPP Bid Window 7. In addition, it plans to develop the Virginia Solar Park with PowerChina (HDEC) and Green Whistle.
These projects highlight Red Rocket’s mission to power South Africa’s clean energy transition and drive a sustainable future.