EXSA, SPS Double South Africa Solar

Key Figures & Findings: Independent Power Producer Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS) and energy trading company Energy Exchange of Southern Africa (EXSA) are advancing a critical solar expansion in the Western Cape. The project, named SlimSun Too, is an important step for both companies, allowing EXSA to secure a long-term, clean electricity supply for its platform and cementing SPS’s role as both the developer and operator.

Statistics & Insights:

• Investment: The initial phase is valued at USD $4.6 million (ZAR 87 million), with financial backing from Investec.

• Capacity: The plant is commissioning at 5.6 MW with contracted plans to double capacity to 10 MW in the coming months.

Future Implications: Once fully commissioned after Eskom approval and testing, the SlimSun Too facility could provide a blueprint for how private IPPs can quickly integrate clean, dedicated power onto South Africa’s grid, significantly easing load-shedding risks for commercial customers over the 10-year PPA period.

🔥 The Challenge: Despite the progress, the project's long-term environmental and economic impact relies entirely on the final, crucial approval from the national utility, Eskom, underscoring the ongoing power bottleneck in South Africa's transition.

Source: SolarFinanced.africa

Quick Take: South Africa's private power sector is proving its strength in the Western Cape, with EXSA and SPS doubling down on capacity to bypass Eskom's grid challenges.