Infinity Power has signed major engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreements for two large-scale solar projects in South Africa. The projects, announced during the Africa Energy Forum held in Cape Town, will add a combined solar generation capacity of 773.6 MWp. The development is considered one of the largest solar energy announcements in South Africa this year and highlights the growing role of private sector investment in Africa’s renewable energy transition.
The agreements cover two separate solar developments located in different provinces. The first project is the Highveld Solar plant in Mpumalanga province, which will have a generation capacity of 285.6 MWp. The second is the Negwedi solar cluster in Free State province, which will contribute 488 MWp of solar capacity. Together, the two projects are expected to provide clean electricity to more than 450,000 households across the country.
Infinity Power has selected different international contractors for the construction of the projects. India-based Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy will be responsible for building the Highveld Solar project. The Negwedi solar cluster will be developed by PowerChina Guizhou Engineering. The selection of experienced EPC contractors is expected to support the timely execution and delivery of both projects.
According to the company, the Highveld Solar project will be capable of supplying electricity to approximately 167,000 homes. It is also expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 660,000 tonnes annually. The larger Negwedi solar cluster is projected to provide electricity to nearly 289,000 households and prevent more than 1.14 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year. Combined, the projects are expected to avoid almost 1.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
South Africa remains Africa’s largest electricity market and one of the continent’s leading destinations for renewable energy investment. Although coal continues to dominate the country’s electricity generation mix, ongoing power shortages, increasing electricity demand, and years of load-shedding have accelerated the need for alternative energy sources. Government initiatives, private power purchase agreements, and regulatory reforms have encouraged greater participation by renewable energy developers.
Large industrial consumers, including mining companies, manufacturers, and data centre operators, are increasingly seeking long-term renewable energy solutions. Such agreements help businesses manage rising electricity costs while supporting their sustainability commitments and carbon reduction targets.
In addition to supplying clean power, the solar projects are expected to create employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases. They are also likely to support local skills development and strengthen regional supply chains. These benefits are particularly important as South Africa works to balance energy security with its environmental goals.
The projects support Infinity Power’s wider objective of reaching 10 GW of operational renewable energy capacity across Africa by 2032. The company, jointly owned by Infinity and Masdar, continues to expand its portfolio of solar, wind, and energy storage projects across several African countries, reinforcing the continent’s growing renewable energy sector.
