Independent power producer Engie has begun construction of the Grootspruit solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in the Free State. The plant, set to operate at a 75 MW contracted capacity, will be built and operated in partnership with Pele Green Energy.

Grootspruit is one of two solar PV plants under construction in South Africa. The other plant, Graspan, will be located in the Northern Cape. Both plants are expected to be commissioned by the end of 2025 – each contributing 75 MW to strengthening the South African electricity grid.

“With over 1,6 GW of multiple assets in operation in the country, executing such significant projects requires extensive collaboration with partners like Pele Green Energy and the Free State provincial government as well as numerous engineers, builders and contractors. This significant investment aims to deliver invaluable assets for South Africa once these plants are completed next year,” said Mo Hoosen, Engie’s CEO and Managing Director of Renewables for Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Aurex and Ablon have been selected as preferred contractors for the project.

The Grootspruit and Graspan plants are collectively expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in South Africa by 100 000 tons of carbon per year and contribute to the electricity needs of approximately 80 000 households.