Independent power producer (IPP) Pele Green Energy (PGE) has successfully achieved financial close for two solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants under bid window five of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. The company has formalized power purchase and implementation agreements with Eskom and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
Projects Overview
These two solar projects, each boasting a contracted capacity of 75MW, will be developed and operated in partnership with Engie. The Grootspruit PV project is slated for construction in the Free State, while the Graspan Solar PV project will be situated in the Northern Cape.
Construction and Commissioning Timeline
PGE anticipates commencing construction early in 2024, with both plants expected to be commissioned by the end of 2025. Knowledge Pele, the research and development arm of Pele Energy Group, will oversee the implementation of economic development structures for the communities associated with each project.
Capacity Milestone
Ronald Chindeka, Head of Investments and Funding for PGE, expressed pride in reaching financial close and noted that the addition of these projects brings Pele Green Energy’s total nameplate capacity to 2,076MW across various stages of financial close, construction, and operations.
Significance for Sustainable Energy Future
Léa Giroux, Senior Business Developer at Engie Southern Africa, highlighted the significance of achieving financial close for these pivotal solar projects, emphasizing their contribution to a more sustainable energy future in South Africa.
Community Benefits and Trust Establishment
Adhila Mayet, Head of Project Development for Pele Green Energy, emphasized the value these solar PV power plants will bring to the Grootspruit and Graspan communities, not only through renewable energy generation but also through the establishment of a community trust to ensure direct community benefits from the projects.
Source: itweb.co.za
