- SolarAfrica has completed financial close on all three facilities in the 342MW first phase of its SunCentral project.
- The development has attracted about R5 billion in financing and includes a R1.35 billion transmission substation.
SolarAfrica has completed financial close on the 342MW first phase of its SunCentral solar project in South Africa’s Northern Cape.
The company began construction at the site between Hanover and De Aar in June 2024. Ultimately, SolarAfrica plans to expand SunCentral to 1GW of generation capacity.
SunCentral 1 secured R1.8 billion in financing at the end of 2024. Meanwhile, SunCentral 2 reached financial close at R1.5 billion in February 2026.
The company completed financial close for SunCentral 3 in August with financing from RMB and Investec Bank. Together, the three facilities will provide 342MW of capacity and require roughly R5 billion in development financing.
Transmission Infrastructure Supports Multiple Buyers
SolarAfrica has also completed a Main Transmission Substation at a cost of R1.35 billion. Importantly, the facility connects SunCentral to the national grid and enables the project to supply multiple electricity buyers.
The buyers span automotive companies, mining operations, data centres, manufacturers, retailers and corporate parks. As a result, the project can serve multiple commercial customers instead of relying on a single dedicated offtaker.
SolarAfrica chief executive David McDonald said the company would now focus on project delivery.
“With financial close now achieved across the final part of Phase 1, our focus is fixed firmly on delivery.”
He added that the project had moved closer to supplying businesses with clean electricity at scale.
SunCentral Begins Commercial Operations
SunCentral 1 reached the threshold for commercial operation in late August. Meanwhile, SolarAfrica expects the first power from the wider phase during the second half of the year.
The company has already started developing Phase 2 through SunCentral 4. In addition, later phases could combine solar generation with battery storage to extend electricity supply beyond daylight hours.
At 342MW, the first phase will provide almost twice the capacity of Solar Capital De Aar, which currently holds the position as South Africa’s largest solar farm.
Demand For Corporate Power Grows
McDonald said businesses increasingly want greater certainty over electricity supply and costs.
“South African businesses are increasingly looking for long-term energy certainty, both in security of supply and cost savings.”
According to McDonald, market demand remains strong. SolarAfrica therefore plans to continue developing infrastructure that can provide large businesses with alternative electricity supplies.