Construction of the Grootspruit solar farm has commenced in South Africa. The project, launched by Engie in partnership with South African IPP Pele Green Energy, is located in the Free State province.
Stuart Kent, Managing Director of Aurex Constructors, said during the launch ceremony that the project aims to address South Africa’s energy challenges and its contribution to the country’s just energy transition.
The development, located in the Lejweleputswa district, will feature a 75 MW photovoltaic solar power plant. The construction contract has been awarded to local companies Aurex Constructors and Ablon Construction.
The Grootspruit solar farm is scheduled to begin operations in 2025, with the electricity generated to be supplied to South Africa’s national grid under a power purchase agreement with Eskom, the state-owned utility.
Alongside Grootspruit, Engie is also building the 75 MWp Graspan photovoltaic solar power plant in the Northern Cape Province. Both facilities are scheduled to be operational by 2025, together cutting South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions by 100,000 metric tons each year and providing electricity to around 80,000 households.
