- Engie has launched the Grootspruit solar farm in South Africa’s Free State, partnering with Pele Green Energy.
- The 75 MWp solar plant will begin operations in 2025 and, through a deal with Eskom, feed electricity into the national grid.
- The Grootspruit and another solar project, Graspan, will cut South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions by 100,000 tonnes annually and power about 80,000 households.
French multinational energy company Engie has officially started building the Grootspruit solar farm in South Africa’s Free State province. The company is developing the project in partnership with South African independent power producer (IPP) Pele Green Energy, marking a significant expansion of Engie’s renewable energy efforts in the region.
The Grootspruit solar farm will have a 75 MWp capacity and be located in the Lejweleputswa district. The project will harness optimal solar energy resources. Engie awarded the construction contract to local firms Aurex Constructors and Ablon Construction. Aurex Constructors will handle the design and construction phases.
Managing Director of Aurex Constructors, Stuart Kent, highlighted the project’s importance for the local community and South Africa’s energy landscape. He said, “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.”
The solar farm will begin operations in 2025. Once operational, it will feed electricity into South Africa’s national grid under a power purchase agreement with Eskom, the state-owned utility company. This agreement will ensure that Grootspruit’s electricity significantly contributes to the country’s energy supply.
Engie is also advancing another substantial solar project in South Africa. The company is constructing the Graspan solar plant in the Northern Cape province. Like Grootspruit, the Graspan plant will feature a 75 MWp capacity and is expected to come online in 2025. Both solar farms represent crucial elements of Engie’s strategy to enhance renewable energy infrastructure in South Africa.
The Grootspruit and Graspan solar projects will deliver substantial environmental benefits. They will reduce South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions by about 100,000 tonnes annually. This reduction will contribute significantly to the country’s climate goals. Additionally, the electricity generated by these plants will supply power to approximately 80,000 households, providing a reliable source of clean energy for many South Africans.
Engie’s investment in these projects aligns with South Africa’s broader objectives of transitioning to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. The country has faced ongoing energy supply challenges and environmental sustainability issues. Engie’s solar power investments address these issues and support the global fight against climate change.
Local companies’ involvement in building the Grootspruit and Graspan projects highlights Engie’s commitment to economic development in the region. These projects will create numerous jobs and contribute to skills development within the local workforce. This approach supports sustainable development and enhances community resilience.
These solar initiatives reflect a more significant trend of increased investment in renewable energy across South Africa. As the country addresses energy supply issues and climate change impacts, projects like Grootspruit and Graspan offer a path toward a more sustainable and reliable future.
Engie’s ongoing development of its renewable energy portfolio includes these significant projects in South Africa. The success of Grootspruit and Graspan could pave the way for further investments in solar power and other renewable technologies in South Africa and other regions facing similar challenges.
Engie’s commitment to renewable energy shines through its efforts in South Africa. The Grootspruit and Graspan solar farms will create local jobs, provide reliable power, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These projects mark essential milestones in Engie’s journey toward a greener future, impacting local communities and the global environment.