South Africa’s Renewable Energy Capacity Strengthened With 650 MW Awarded To Red Rocket Solar Projects

Red Rocket has further strengthened its position in South Africa’s renewable energy sector after being named a preferred bidder for three projects under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) Bid Window 7 Value for Money allocation. This achievement marks another important milestone for the company and highlights its ongoing contribution to South Africa’s energy transition.

The three newly awarded projects include Rondebosch Solar Park in Mpumalanga with a capacity of 240 MW, along with Springhaas Solar Facility 1 (240 MW) and Springhaas Solar Facility 6 (170 MW) in the Free State. Together, these projects total 650 MW of the 890 MW allocated under this round of the programme, demonstrating Red Rocket’s strong presence in the national renewable energy landscape.

The REIPPPP programme aims to unlock 890MW of new generation capacity, and Red Rocket’s awarded projects are expected to make a significant contribution. The company’s success follows a series of earlier wins in 2025, emphasizing its ability to deliver large-scale renewable energy solutions that are both affordable and reliable while supporting long-term sustainability goals.

Sharief Harris, Red Rocket’s Head of Development, stated that being awarded 650 MW after submitting Value for Money proposals is a major boost for the country’s efforts to add essential generation capacity to the national grid. He emphasized that the projects are closely aligned with the company’s purpose of accelerating the energy transition and addressing South Africa’s energy needs.

Earlier this year, in July, Red Rocket had celebrated wins under Bid Window 7’s extra allocation, where it secured a total of 590MW contracted capacity across three solar projects. These include Dwaalboom 3 in Limpopo with a contracted capacity of 180 MW, Virginia 4 in the Free State with 210 MW, and the Florida Solar Project with 200 MW. These achievements, combined with the recent awards, take Red Rocket’s total contracted capacity under Bid Window 7 to 1,240 MW, further establishing the company as a leading renewable energy developer in South Africa.

Matteo Brambilla, CEO of Red Rocket, said the latest awarded projects are a testament to the company’s ability to deliver impactful renewable energy solutions that add real value to the country. He highlighted that these projects contribute meaningfully to the national grid while supporting a cleaner and more resilient energy system that promotes economic growth and creates a lasting legacy.

In addition to these solar projects, Red Rocket has achieved key milestones with wind and solar developments. Overberg Wind Farm, South Africa’s largest commercially developed wind farm with a 400MW nameplate capacity, reached financial close in two phases. Tournee Solar Park, with a capacity of 331 MW, also achieved financial close in September. Both projects represent investments exceeding R18 billion and are expected to play a vital role in meeting South Africa’s growing energy demand and advancing its renewable energy agenda.

Red Rocket’s continued success underlines its strong momentum in the renewable energy sector and its commitment to delivering large-scale, sustainable energy solutions that support South Africa’s long-term energy security and climate goals.