Construction on the R1.4 billion project has commenced on the Grootspruit solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Welkom.

The Grootspruit solar plant is one of two photovoltaic power plants Engie will be building in the country, with the other plant, the Graspan solar PV plant, set to be built in the Northern Cape.

The 75MW Grootspruit project was officially launched during a groundbreaking ceremony in Welkom on Wednesday (17/7). Both plants are expected to be commissioned by the end of 2025. The Graspan solar plant will also contribute 75MW to the electricity grid.

Groundbreaking ceremony at the Grootspruit solar plant. Picture: IOL

“We are focused on helping to contribute to a more resilient energy landscape in South Africa. We take great pride in this significant investment Engie is making to deliver invaluable assets for South Africa once these plants are completed next year,” said Engie South Africa CEO, Mo Hoosen.

“With our more than 15 years of presence in the country, we know that working on such a significant project requires extensive collaboration with partners like Pele Green Energy and the Free State provincial government, not to mention numerous engineers, builders, contractors, and the like,” he said.

“We are proud of these projects, not only because of the power they will generate but also the structural development they will bring to the local communities and the country as a whole,” said Pele Green Energy investment and funding head Ronald Chindeka.

‘The plants are anticipated to lower SA’s greenhouse gas emissions’

“We are delighted to collaborate with Engie, which is dedicated to a genuine partnership in realising these projects.”

Business Live reports the plants are anticipated to lower SA’s greenhouse gas emissions by a combined 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually and will assist in fulfilling the electricity requirements of about 80,000 households.

SABC News reports the Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Municipality, Thanduxolo Khalipa, said they want to turn Matjhabeng Municipality into the country’s energy hub.

“There are several projects aimed at driving the economy in Matjhabeng,” said Khalipha. Picture: Facebook/Matjhabeng Municipality

“We are informed that it is a R1.4 billion investment. As you know, we declared Matjhabeng a construction war zone. We want dust everywhere and we’re responding to the government to prioritise jobs.

“You can see that our people are happy with all these investors. We are already mobilising for the next investment summit in September because we want more investment in Matjhabeng. Several projects aimed at driving the economy are underway in Matjhabeng,” he said.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg