Construction works on the Grootspruit solar farm in South Africa have been initiated. Engie, in partnership with South African independent power producer (IPP) Pele Green Energy launched the project in the country’s Free State province.
Stuart Kent, Managing Director of Aurex Constructors, during the launch ceremony said the project target to address South Africa’s energy challenges and its contribution to the country’s just energy transition.
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Grootspruit solar farm
The development, located in the Lejweleputswa district, will feature a 75 MWp 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.
In addition to Grootspruit, Engie is also constructing the Graspan photovoltaic solar power plant, another 75 MWp facility in the Northern Cape Province. Both projects are expected to be operational by 2025 and collectively reduce South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions by 100,000 tonnes annually, supplying electricity to approximately 80,000 households.
