South Africa Commissions 240 MW Mooi Plaats Solar Plant, Boosting Clean Energy Transition

South Africa has taken an important step in its move toward clean energy with the commissioning of the Mooi Plaats solar photovoltaic (PV) facility. The plant is located in the Northern Cape near the town of Noupoort and has a capacity of 240 megawatts (MW). It is now the largest single-site solar power project in the country, marking a significant achievement for the nation’s renewable energy sector.

The project is part of the Koruson 2 cluster and has been developed by Envusa Energy, a joint venture between Anglo American and EDF Renewables. This project is the first major delivery under Envusa’s plan to build up to 5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The completion of this facility highlights the growing role of private partnerships in supporting large-scale clean energy development.

The Mooi Plaats plant uses advanced technology to improve efficiency and output. It includes more than 416,000 bifacial solar panels, which can capture sunlight from both sides. These panels are installed on a single-axis tracking system that follows the movement of the sun during the day. The system is supported by around 1,000 string inverters, helping the plant generate nearly 360 million kilowatt-hours of electricity every year.

The main purpose of the facility is to supply clean and reliable power to key industrial operations. Under a 20-year agreement, the electricity produced will be used by Anglo American’s mining businesses, including De Beers and Kumba IronOre. This shift to solar energy will help reduce carbon emissions and lessen reliance on the national power grid, which has faced ongoing challenges related to supply and stability.

The project has also created positive economic and social impacts. During construction, it generated over 1,600 jobs, offering employment opportunities in the region. In addition, the project promotes inclusive growth, with a 20 percent stake held by a local black-owned company, Pele Green Energy. A community trust has also been established to ensure that nearby communities such as Middleburg and Noupoort benefit from the project. Overall, the Mooi Plaats solar facility sets an example for future renewable energy projects in South Africa. It shows how collaboration between companies can support energy transition, strengthen energy security, and bring long-term benefits to local communities.