Faced with persistent blackouts and an unstable electricity grid, South Africa is fast-tracking its shift to solar energy. Moving away from decades of coal dependence, the government is now prioritising solar power to ensure a more reliable and sustainable energy future.
The Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) has approved six new solar power projects under the latest phase of its Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). All six will be built in the Free State province, collectively contributing 1,290 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the national grid. Each project will operate under a 20-year power purchase agreement, guaranteeing long-term stability for investors and developers.
Two major energy companies have been selected to bring these projects to life. Red Rocket South Africa will develop three solar farms: Dwaalboom 3 Solar (180 MW), Florida Solar Park (200 MW), and Virginia 4 Solar Park (210 MW). The electricity generated from these sites will be priced between ZAR 499.99 and ZAR 506.89 per megawatt-hour (MWh).
Scatec Solar Africa will handle the remaining three projects, grouped together as the Kroonstad PV cluster. These include Oslaagte Solar 2 and 3, each with a reported capacity of 293 MW (higher than the government’s stated 240 MW), and Leeuwspruit Solar 1, listed at 260 MW instead of the official 220 MW. With a combined estimated cost of ZAR 13 billion, the projects will be primarily financed through loans, covering about 90% of expenses. Construction is slated to begin in 2025.
Beyond these six projects, the DEE has identified eight additional renewable energy ventures, four solar and four wind, that have cleared compliance checks. These projects may soon move forward as preferred bidders, depending on successful price negotiations.
South Africa’s aggressive push toward solar energy is part of a larger strategy to strengthen its renewable energy capacity. The government aims to add at least 3 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy annually, with plans to increase that figure to 5 GW per year by 2030.
The initiative is already yielding results. In 2024 alone, the country installed 1.1 GW of solar power, building on the record-breaking growth seen in 2023. As more solar farms come online, South Africa expects to ease strain on its power grid, reduce frequent blackouts, and foster sustainable economic development.
With these efforts, the nation is taking decisive steps toward a future where reliable and clean energy is accessible to all.
