The Grootspruit Solar Power Station, is a 75 megawatts solar power plant under construction in South Africa. The solar farm is under development and is owned by a consortium comprising Engie, the French multinational utility company and Pele Green Energy, a South African independent power producer. The off-taker of the power generated here is Eskom Holdings, the public electricity utility parastatal company of South Africa. A long-term power purchase agreement between Engie and Eskom, governs the sale and purchase of electricity between the power station and the electric utility company.
Location The power station is located outside the city of Welkom in Matjhabeng Local Municipality, in Lejweleputswa District, in the Free State. Welkom is located about northeast of Bloemfontein, the provincial capital.
Overview The design calls for 150,000 ground-mounted photo-voltaic cells, with total capacity rating of 75 megawatts. Eskom contracted to purchase the power and integrate it into the national South African grid.
Ownership The table below illustrates the composition of the shareholding in Grootspruit Solar Power Station. The owners are expected to form a special purpose vehicle company to own, develop, operate and maintain this solar farm. For descriptive purposes we will refer to the SPV as Grootspruit Solar Consortium.
+ Shareholding In Grootspruit Solar Consortium Rank Shareholder Domicile Percentage Notes 1 ENGIEFrance 2 Pele Green Energy South Africa Total
Cost The cost of construction was estimated at ZAR 1.4 billion (approx. US$76.4 million), as of July 2024.
Construction The engineering, procurement and construction contract was awarded to a joint venture comprising two South African construction companies; Aurex Constructors and Ablon Construction. Construction began in H2 2024 and commercial commissioning is anticipated in H2 2025.
See also List of power stations in South Africa
References
External links Power plant profile: Grootspruit Solar PV Park, South Africa ENGIE Commences Construction on Grootspruit PV Power Plant