South Africa’s De Aar Solar Project Begins

Key Figures & Findings: POWERCHINA a prominent global construction company and SolarAfrica Energy a company specializing in solar energy solutions for the commercial and industrial sectors signed a landmark contract to develop South Africa’s largest single-unit solar project, the De Aar Central Solar Power Plant, with an impressive capacity setting a record as the country’s largest single-unit solar installation. Located in the Northern Cape Province, this facility will power key industrial sectors, including data centers. At the signing ceremony, SolarAfrica CEO David McDonald emphasized the project’s role in strengthening South Africa’s clean energy infrastructure. This collaboration showcases POWERCHINA’s commitment to advancing South Africa’s renewable energy goals and aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative and China-Africa Cooperation agreements, which aim to drive sustainable infrastructure in Africa.

Statistics & Insights: The De Aar plant, with its planned 342 MW capacity, will be situated in one of South Africa’s sunniest regions, and is expected to supply clean energy to major industrial and commercial entities, contributing to South Africa’s goal of diversifying its energy mix, and ongoing push to diversify energy sources away from coal dependency.

Future Implications:
Once operational, The De Aar project could help South Africa meet its renewable energy targets by 2025. Significantly reducing  reliance on coal

Source:  SolarQuarter