24-02-2025
SolarAfrica secures 98m to boost wheeling in South Africa
SolarAfrica has secured a R1.8 billion ($98 million) investment in its SunCentral utility-scale solar project, which will be developed in three phases.
The first phase, consisting of 342 MW, will be delivered through three 114 MW facilities, delivering renewable energy to various off-takers through South Africa's power grid. Phases 2 and 3 will increase SunCentral's capacity to 1 GW.
SolarAfrica's project will offer wheeling on a one-to-many basis, making it accessible to a wider range of businesses in South Africa, unlike similar projects that offer one-to-one wheeling. The project is located between Hanover and De Aar in South Africa's Northern Cape province.
SolarAfrica's Chief Investment Officer Charl Alheit, who spearheaded the financial close, explains: 'Reaching financial close on the first 114 MW of our utility-scale wheeling development and Main Transmission Substation (MTS) investment marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions for our customers in the commercial and industrial sectors.'
He adds that the substantial size of SunCentral will unlock access to cheaper, greener power for even more businesses across the country. 'We are excited to see this project move forward as we continue contributing to the energy transition while delivering long-term value to our customers."
SolarAfrica is part of the greater Starsight Energy Africa Group. The success of SunCentral will act as a blueprint for similar (and possibly smaller) off-site generation projects in other key African markets in which the Starsight Energy Africa Group companies operate.
'The construction of SolarAfrica's SunCentral is a critical step in our journey to expand clean energy adoption across Sub-Saharan Africa, says Paul van Zijl, Group CEO of Starsight Energy Africa Group. 'We are excited to move this project forward and continue delivering long-term value to our customers,' he says.
SolarAfrica is backed by world-class investors African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) and Helios Investment Partners who both hold decades-long track records of bringing investment to support African innovation.
'Reaching Financial Close on the first 114 MW on SunCentral is a fantastic milestone for SolarAfrica, says Thor Corry, Investment Director at AIIM.
'The modular approach to construct the MTS and plug in subsequent 114 MW modules provides a superb platform for SolarAfrica to scale at pace to meet the needs of the C&I customers in South Africa who want to secure price certainty and cost efficiencies while furthering South Africa's Just Energy Transition. With South Africa requiring up to 30 GW of new capacity by 2030 to meet its climate commitments and energy needs, projects like this are crucial,' Corry concludes.
