JUWI Invests ZAR 6 Billion to Power South Africa’s Industries with Solar Energy

JUWI Renewable Energies is making a major investment in South Africa’s renewable energy sector, committing ZAR 6 billion (approximately US$320 million) to develop three solar power projects with a total capacity of 340 MW.

These projects, set for construction by 2025, will provide clean, reliable energy to major industrial players, including Teraco, Sasol, Air Liquide, and Glencore, helping them reduce dependence on the country’s strained public grid.

Supporting South Africa’s Energy Transition

This investment aligns with recent regulatory reforms and South Africa’s updated energy strategy, which encourages private sector participation to meet ambitious renewable energy goals and address persistent power shortages.

The Electricity Regulation Amendment Act and the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) provide a favorable framework for private companies to develop independent power projects, allowing businesses greater control over their energy supply.

Key Solar Projects

• 120 MW for Teraco Data Centres: Africa’s largest data center operator will use a solar facility in the Free State to power its expanding infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted service despite the country’s frequent power outages.

• 120 MW for Sasol and Air Liquide: Developed in partnership with TotalEnergies, Mulilo, and Reatile Group, this project will supply stable, affordable energy to their chemical production facilities, enhancing operational efficiency.

• 100 MW for Glencore Mine: In collaboration with Pele Green Energy, this solar plant will power Glencore’s ferrochrome smelters, reducing reliance on the national grid and improving energy security for mining operations.

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Economic and Environmental Impact

These projects will generate over 1 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy annually—enough to power 200,000 South African households—and offset nearly 1 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.

The construction phase alone will create over 2,000 jobs, further supporting South Africa’s renewable energy sector.

Once operational, the projects will contribute approximately 5% to the country’s total solar PV capacity.

Private Sector’s Role in Energy Security

Richard Doyle, Managing Director of JUWI Renewable Energies, emphasized the private sector’s critical role in accelerating South Africa’s energy transition.

He highlighted JUWI’s commitment to working with energy-intensive industries and independent power producers (IPPs) to enhance energy resilience and reduce emissions.

Dr. Rethabile Melamu, CEO of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), also stressed the importance of private sector investment.

Given South Africa’s heavy reliance on coal, initiatives like these not only support the shift to clean energy but also introduce innovative business models that improve the industry’s resilience and global competitiveness.

JUWI’s investment marks a significant step in South Africa’s transition to renewable energy. By delivering reliable and sustainable power to key industries, these projects will mitigate the impact of electricity shortages and enhance industrial competitiveness.

As South Africa strives to meet its renewable energy targets, initiatives like these play a crucial role in building a secure and sustainable energy future.

In addition to these new projects, JUWI currently operates nine large renewable energy developments across Africa, totaling 574 MW and generating nearly 1 million megawatt-hours of electricity annually, reinforcing its position as a leader in the continent’s renewable energy sector.