• SOLA launches 195MW Springbok solar plant, Africa’s first multi-buyer facility

• AWS, Sibanye-Stillwater among anchor clients in power wheeling model

• Project boosts SOLA’s private grid capacity to 464MWp in South Africa

Independent power producer SOLA announced on Thursday, Oct. 9, the commercial operation of its 195-megawatt (MW) Springbok Solar Power project, completing construction ahead of schedule.

The 2.8 billion rand (about $163 million) solar plant, which began construction in December 2023, is the first utility-scale, multi-buyer solar facility in Africa, according to the company. Its commissioning marks a major milestone for South Africa’s power wheeling market.

The project is supported by power purchase agreements with several corporations, with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Sibanye-Stillwater acting as anchor off-takers. Other buyers include Vodacom, Sasol, Afrimat, Old Mutual, Redefine Properties, Rio Tinto, and BRM Brands. The model shows how the private sector can secure reliable clean power while cutting costs and emissions.

“Springbok demonstrates that renewable energy can be delivered reliably, flexibly and at scale,” SOLA said in a statement, thanking financial backers which include RMB, Investec, Absa Group, Revego Fund Managers, and Ubuzwe.

SOLA also confirmed that Springbok is now the largest operational wheeling power plant in South Africa, bringing the company’s private grid-connected portfolio to 464 MWp. The project cements SOLA’s position as a pioneer in liberalizing South Africa’s electricity market and driving the rapid expansion of power wheeling.

Abdoullah Diop