South Africa Approves Licenses for 890 MW of Solar Projects
NERSA approved four solar plants with 890 MW of combined contracted capacity Red Rocket will develop three projects, while Engie will build the fourth The projects should expand generation capacity while supporting jobs and local industry South Africa’s energy regulator, NERSA, has approved generation licenses for four solar photovoltaic plants. . .
NERSA approved four solar plants with 890 MW of combined contracted capacityRed Rocket will develop three projects, while Engie will build the fourthThe projects should expand generation capacity while supporting jobs and local industrySouth Africa’s energy regulator, NERSA, has approved generation licenses for four solar photovoltaic plants with a combined contracted capacity of 890 MW. The regulator approved the projects on June 30, 2026, and announced the decision in July. The licenses cover projects selected under Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program, or REIPPPP. Red Rocket will develop three of the projects: Sculptor Energy, Springhaas Solar Facility 1 and Springhaas Solar Facility 6. The first two will each have a contracted capacity of 240 MW, while the third will have a contracted capacity of 170 MW. Together, the three plants will provide 650 MW. Engie will develop the fourth project, Corona Energy, which will have a contracted capacity of 240 MW. The four plants will have a combined installed capacity of 1,049. 4 MWp. NERSA said it received the license applications on January 23. No objections were filed, and the regulator determined that the projects met all technical, financial, economic, legal and regulatory requirements. NERSA said the licenses would help strengthen South Africa’s electricity generation capacity while supporting employment and local industry. Both developers already operate renewable-energy assets in South Africa. Red Rocket, a South African independent power producer, commissioned the Rietkloof and Brandvalley wind farms in 2025. The two facilities have a combined capacity of 288 MW. Engie has also connected its 75-MW Grootspruit solar plant to the grid. The newly approved projects will further expand both companies’ presence in South Africa’s renewable-energy market. Abdoullah Diop