South Africa’s First Multi-Buyer Solar

Key Figures & Findings: The SOLA Group has achieved early commercial operations at the 195 MW Springbok Solar Power Project in South Africa’s Northern Cape. Touted as Africa’s first multi-buyer, flexible wheeling facility, the project is a landmark for corporate renewable energy procurement. Amazon served as anchor buyer, joined by companies including Sibanye-Stillwater, Sasol, Vodacom, Redefine, Old Mutual, Afrimat and Rio Tinto. The project introduces short- and long-term contract options under a single facility — a first for the continent.

Statistics & Insights: Springbok Solar is designed to generate ~430 GWh annually, enough to power 150,000 homes. It will offset about 399,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year, equivalent to planting 6.5 million trees, while investing R375 million (≈$20 million) into local communities. Around 500 jobs have been created, with nearly half of the workforce classified as youth.

Future Implications: The model is expected to reshape corporate power procurement in South Africa by offering flexible access to renewable energy for multiple sectors. If replicated, the approach could help diversify Eskom’s grid, expand cross-border trade through the Southern African Power Pool, and accelerate private-sector decarbonization across the region by 2030.

Source: CBN

Quick Take: From Amazon to Vodacom, corporate giants are testing Africa’s first shared solar plant. Could this be the blueprint for the region’s next energy leap?