Mulilo Secures Commercial Close for 76 MW BESS and 337 MW Solar PV Projects, Strengthening South Africa’s Grid and Clean Energy Pipeline

Mulilo has achieved commercial close on two major renewable energy projects in a single day, marking a significant milestone in South Africa’s clean energy transition. Both projects are located in the Free State Province and fall under Bid Window 2 of the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP) and Round 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

The commercial close secures all key contractual agreements required for project execution, enabling both developments to progress toward financial close and construction in the coming weeks. This stage confirms that the projects are legally and commercially prepared to advance, providing a strong foundation for timely implementation.

As part of the milestone, Mulilo signed the Implementation Agreement in the presence of Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and the Independent Power Producers Office. The company also finalised Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with the National Transmission Company South Africa for both projects.

The first project, Mulilo Mercury BESS, is a 76 MW / 304 MWh battery energy storage facility to be developed near Viljoenskroon under BESIPPPP Bid Window 2. The project is expected to enhance grid stability, facilitate renewable energy integration, and contribute to local economic development within the Moqhaka Local Municipality.

The second project, Middlepunt Solar PV, is a 337 MWDC (240 MWAC) solar photovoltaic facility located near Welkom, awarded under REIPPPP Bid Window 7. Once operational, the plant is expected to generate approximately 770 GWh of clean electricity annually—sufficient to power around 325,000 households. The project will supply electricity to the national grid at a tariff of 458 ZAR/MWh (approximately 27 USD/MWh), positioning it among the most cost-competitive renewable energy projects globally.

Commenting on the development, Mulilo CEO Jan Fourie described the achievement as a significant milestone, highlighting that Middlepunt Solar PV is the first project under Bid Window 7 to reach commercial close. He noted that the accomplishment reflects the company’s capability to deliver large-scale energy projects efficiently while strengthening partnerships across stakeholders.

Both projects are being developed through collaboration between public and private sector entities, including the Eskom, NTCSA, IPPO, and various levels of government. Mulilo’s shareholders, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Norfund, along with local BEE partners and community trusts, continue to support the initiatives, reinforcing a commitment to inclusive growth and long-term value creation in South Africa’s energy sector.