AMEA Power Commissions 120 MW Doornhoek Solar Project In South Africa

Dubai-based renewable energy company AMEA Power has officially commissioned the 120 MW Doornhoek Solar Photovoltaic project in South Africa, marking a major step forward for the country’s clean energy transition. The solar facility is located near Klerksdorp in the North West Province and has become the first project under Bid Window 6 of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme to reach commercial operation.

The large-scale solar plant is expected to generate nearly 325 GWh of clean electricity every year. According to the company, the project will provide enough power to supply around 97,000 households while helping reduce more than 330,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. The development is expected to support South Africa’s efforts to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuel-based power generation.

The project was developed with an investment of approximately 120 million US dollars. AMEA Power partnered with local firms Ziyanda Energy and Dzimuzwo Energy, both fully owned by African women, highlighting the project’s focus on inclusive participation and local economic empowerment. Financing for the project included 100 million US dollars in debt support from Standard Bank South Africa, along with an 8 million US dollar equity investment from the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa to support local partner participation.

The construction phase also delivered a major employment boost to the surrounding communities. At peak activity, the project created jobs for around 1,050 workers, providing income opportunities for local residents and businesses. In addition to employment generation, the company launched several community support initiatives aimed at improving education and social welfare in nearby areas.

Through its community investment programme, AMEA Power extended assistance to six local schools, four early childhood development centres, and fifteen non-profit organisations operating in the region. These initiatives were designed to create long-term social benefits alongside clean energy development.

The Doornhoek solar project is AMEA Power’s first fully operational renewable energy asset in South Africa and further strengthens the company’s growing presence across Africa’s renewable energy sector. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand further in South Africa’s North West Province through two battery energy storage projects secured under Bid Window 2 of the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme. Together, these projects are expected to deliver more than 300 MWh of storage capacity and support grid stability as South Africa accelerates its renewable energy transition.