Changa Energy And BT Industrial Launch Groundbreaking 1MW Solar Project In South Africa

Changa Energy has successfully launched its state-of-the-art 1MW solar power system at BT Industrial Group’s facility in Benoni. The project, developed in partnership with BT Industrial Group, Nuvo Africa, and Candi Solar, marks a major milestone in sustainable energy solutions, enhancing energy security and addressing the rising cost of electricity in South Africa.

The solar plant, designed to leverage South Africa’s abundant solar resources, will help BT Industrial reduce carbon emissions and decrease dependency on the national grid. This move is seen as a significant step toward meeting the nation’s clean energy goals. The plant comprises 1,604 solar panels and seven grid-type inverters, designed to meet BT Industrial’s entire energy demand, with the ability to sell surplus power back to the grid.

Changa Energy CEO Mickey Mashale expressed her excitement, stating, “We are proud to unveil our 1MW solar plant, a key step in fostering a more sustainable future. This project reflects our commitment to innovation and collaboration with partners like BT Industrial Group. Together, we are driving a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.”

BT Industrial Group has faced significant challenges due to South Africa’s ongoing energy crisis, with load shedding causing disruptions in production and financial strain. The company consumes an average of 600 kVA with peak demand at one megawatt, making energy supply critical to its operations.

“The energy crisis and rising electricity costs have severely impacted our business, reducing productivity to 25%,” said Kgomotso Lekola, Founder and Group Managing Director of BT Industrial. “Electricity costs have risen by a compound annual growth rate of 19%, pushing our bill from R600,000 to R1 million, with projected increases to R1.3 million. This solar plant investment ensures uninterrupted operations and reduces utility costs.”

The launch event featured a facility tour, showcasing the innovative technology behind the solar plant, and was attended by key stakeholders including Changa Energy, Nuvo Africa, Candi Solar, and BT Industrial Group.

This project is a significant step in both companies’ efforts to mitigate energy costs, secure consistent energy supply, and contribute to South Africa’s renewable energy transition.