Yellow Door Energy, Nedbank CIB Reach Financial Close on 49 MWp Lion Thorn Solar Park in South Africa

Yellow Door Energy and Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (Nedbank CIB) have achieved financial close for the 49 MWp Lion Thorn Solar Park in Leeudoringstad, North West, South Africa, paving the way for construction of the utility-scale solar project.

Nedbank CIB is financing the project, which has secured long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with PPC and POWERX, a private electricity trader licensed by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

Once operational, the solar park is expected to generate approximately 115 GWh of renewable electricity in its first year and avoid an estimated 104,190 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

The project comes amid growing private-sector investment in South Africa’s electricity market. In 2025, NERSA-registered private generation projects accounted for an estimated R158 billion in investment and 7,464 MW of generation capacity, highlighting the increasing role of private developers in expanding the country’s renewable power infrastructure.

Construction of Lion Thorn Solar Park is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with commissioning expected in 2028. The project is also expected to generate employment and create economic opportunities during both the construction and operational phases.

Hlatse Nkune, Principal of Power and Renewables Finance at Nedbank CIB, said the evolving electricity market is creating new opportunities for renewable energy developers, power traders and corporate customers. He added that the project demonstrates how innovative financing structures and long-term offtake agreements can support new generation capacity and strengthen South Africa’s energy security.

John Taylor, Managing Director of Yellow Door Energy South Africa, said reaching financial close marks an important milestone for the company and demonstrates its ability to develop bankable, large-scale renewable energy projects in the country.

Once commissioned, the 49 MWp Lion Thorn Solar Park will add new renewable generation capacity to South Africa’s electricity system, helping diversify the country’s energy mix while supporting growing demand for reliable and lower-carbon electricity.