SolarAfrica Partners For 184 MW Solar And 300 MWh BESS Project In South Africa

SolarAfrica has partnered with energy platform MPower and investment firm Fledge Capital to develop a large-scale renewable energy project in South Africa. The collaboration will establish the Highveld Hybrid Energy project, which will combine a 184 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with a 300 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) near eMalahleni in Mpumalanga province.

The project is designed to provide wheeled renewable electricity to commercial customers from 2029. Through the combination of solar generation and battery storage, the facility will generate clean electricity during the day and store excess energy for use during periods of high demand. This approach will enable businesses to access a more reliable and flexible renewable power supply while reducing dependence on conventional grid electricity.

The Highveld Hybrid Energy project represents a growing trend in South Africa, where businesses are increasingly investing in renewable energy solutions to address electricity supply challenges and manage rising energy costs. Hybrid solar and storage systems allow companies to improve energy security by ensuring power availability even when solar generation is unavailable.

MPower, the energy division of property investment company Moolman Group, is part of the partnership driving the project. Although specific power purchase or off-take agreements have not been disclosed, the project is expected to support commercial energy needs, including potential demand from Moolman Group’s portfolio of retail properties.

SolarAfrica has been expanding its renewable energy portfolio across Africa, focusing on utility-scale solar projects and clean energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers. The partnership with MPower and Fledge Capital highlights the increasing role of private sector investment in accelerating South Africa’s energy transition.

By integrating solar power with advanced battery storage technology, the Highveld Hybrid Energy project aims to deliver dependable clean energy while supporting businesses in meeting their sustainability targets. The development is expected to contribute to South Africa’s renewable energy growth and demonstrate the potential of hybrid energy systems in creating a more resilient electricity network.