• Chinese firms expand role in South Africa renewable energy projects
• 240 MW Mooi Plaats solar plant begins operations in March
• Overberg wind farm installs first turbine, boosting industrial power supply

Chinese companies are taking a growing role in building and equipping renewable energy projects in South Africa, with two recent projects led by independent power producers targeting the industrial sector.

The Mooi Plaats solar plant, with a capacity of 240 MW, began commercial operations in the Northern Cape province this March. Developed by Envusa Energy to supply power to the operations of Valterra Platinum, De Beers and Kumba Iron Ore, the facility was built by China Energy Engineering Corporation, which said it is the largest photovoltaic plant built on a single site by a Chinese company in South Africa. The plant is expected to generate 700 GWh of electricity per year.

China Energy Engineering Corporation said the project represents the largest photovoltaic power plant built on a single site by a Chinese company in South Africa and includes all key components, such as solar panels, a step-up substation, a switching station and transmission lines.

The second project involves the Overberg wind farm, whose first phase reached a key milestone this March with the installation of its first turbine. Developed by South African developer Red Rocket, the 242 MW facility will be equipped with 39 turbines of 6.2 MW each, supplied by Chinese group Goldwind and tailored to local wind conditions.

Goldwind said it is playing a leading role in South Africa’s energy transition by delivering long-term value and clean energy to the country.

The two projects come amid rapid growth in South Africa’s renewable energy capacity, as independent power producers respond to industrial demand. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the country had more than 13.5 GW of renewable energy capacity at the end of 2024, even as its energy mix remains largely dominated by coal.

Abdoullah Diop