Engie, a leading independent power producer, has commenced construction on the 75 MW Grootspruit solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant. This project is being developed in partnership with Pele Green Energy. Located in the Free State province, Grootspruit is one of two solar PV plants Engie is building as part of Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). The other plant, the 75 MW Graspan solar PV plant, will be constructed in the Northern Cape. Both plants are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
Engie South Africa CEO and Renewables for Asia, Middle East, and Africa MD, Mo Hoosen, highlighted the company’s commitment to strengthening South Africa’s energy sector. “We are focused on helping to contribute to a more resilient energy landscape in South Africa. Our more than 15 years presence in the country, with more than 1.6 GW of multiple assets currently in operation, means 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.”
Hoosen emphasized the importance of the Grootspruit project, noting its potential to provide valuable energy assets for South Africa. He expressed pride in the significant investment Engie is making, stating, “Engie takes great pride in this significant investment it is making to deliver invaluable assets for South Africa once these plants are completed next year.”
Ronald Chindeka, head of investment and funding at Pele Green Energy, echoed Hoosen’s sentiments. “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. We are delighted to collaborate with Engie, which is dedicated to a genuine partnership in realizing these projects.”
The construction of the Grootspruit solar PV plant has seen the appointment of Aurex Constructors and Ablon Construction as the preferred contractors. Aurex CEO Stuart Kent commented on the significance of the project, stating, “Aurex’s award of the design and construction of the Grootspruit solar project reaffirms our commitment to providing sustainable solutions to South Africa’s energy challenges. This landmark project underpins our dedication to supporting a just energy transition, creating job opportunities, and promoting skills development in the local community.”
Ablon Construction, a company with deep roots in the local community for over two decades, is also enthusiastic about the project. Ablon contracts manager Lizelle Pike remarked, “As Ablon Construction, a company deeply rooted in the local community for the past 24 years, we are honored and excited to be part of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Grootspruit PV solar farm. This collaboration between all stakeholders is a significant step toward a successful project that will contribute to South Africa’s clean energy goals.”
The Grootspruit and Graspan solar plants are expected to make a substantial impact on South Africa’s carbon footprint. Together, these plants are anticipated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100,000 tons of CO2 annually. This reduction aligns with South Africa’s broader objectives to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and enhance the adoption of renewable energy sources.
Engie’s initiative to build the Grootspruit and Graspan solar PV plants is part of a larger strategy to expand its renewable energy portfolio in South Africa. The company has been actively involved in the country’s energy sector for over 15 years, with a current operational capacity exceeding 1.6 GW. This long-standing presence emphasizes Engie’s commitment to supporting South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
