SolarAfrica Energy, an independent power producer, has broken ground on its inaugural utility-scale solar power installation in South Africa’s Northern Cape.
Once completed, this project will boast a total capacity of 1GW, positioning it among one of South Africa’s largest solar initiatives.
The first phase of the SunCentral project is set to deliver approximately 342MW of power, with subsequent Phases 2 and 3 increasing its capacity to the full 1GW.
Initially developed and proposed by solar system service Soventix South Africa under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, the rights to Phase 1 were acquired by SolarAfrica, while Soventix will continue to develop the remaining phases.
Proconics and Sinohydro have been appointed as the EPC contractors for the project. Proconics will oversee the installation of SunCentral’s main transmission substation, while Sinohydro will manage the installation of over 500,000 solar panels.
The anticipated cost for Phase 1 is around $274m, including a $54m allocation for the substation, which SolarAfrica is funding. This investment will ensure the efficient integration of power into the national transmission grid.
David McDonald, CEO of SolarAfrica Energy, stated during the groundbreaking ceremony on June 19: “Investments of this nature go a long way in bolstering the grid’s ability to manage and distribute power across the country.”
SunCentral is expected to alleviate some of the power generation pressures faced by South Africa’s state utility, Eskom, as the country transitions from coal-fired generation.
The project will provide power on a one-to-many basis, facilitating easier access to cost-affective clean energy for South African businesses through existing grid infrastructure.
The introduction of cost-effective solar power is anticipated to stimulate economic growth within the commercial and industrial sectors.
“A project of this magnitude wouldn’t have been possible without the power of partnerships,” McDonald added.
“Over the past decade, Eskom has found new and tangible ways of making the [arrangements] a reality in South Africa. Dedication to partnering with the private sector is proof of [the] commitment to address South Africa’s power generation struggles.”
Similar projects
The SunCentral project will also serve as a model for similar projects across East and West Africa, particularly in Kenya and Nigeria. The clean energy generated by project will be supplied to customers at approximately half the current cost of utility power, alleviating strain on South African businesses.
SolarAfrica is also advancing several other solar projects nationwide, aiming for a generation portfolio exceeding 3GW. McDonald emphasised: “SunCentral is now poised to harness this potential to its fullest extent, contributing to a sustainable energy supply for our customers and the broader communities.”
To keep up with the South African solar community, don’t miss the 2025 edition of Solar & Storage Live Africa.
[Image credit: SolarAfrica]
