South Africa has achieved a major milestone in its renewable energy journey with the start of commercial operations at the Mooi Plaats Solar PV Project, now the largest single-site solar power plant in the country. The project is located near Noupoort, on the border of the Northern and Eastern Cape provinces, and marks an important step in the country’s transition toward cleaner energy.
The solar plant is part of the Koruson 2 cluster developed by Envusa Energy, a joint venture between Anglo American and EDF Renewables. The completion of this project represents the first major delivery under Envusa Energy’s long-term plan to build a renewable energy portfolio of 3 to 5 gigawatts by 2030.
With a capacity of 240 megawatts, the Mooi Plaats facility demonstrates significant technical scale. It uses more than 416,000 bifacial solar modules, which are designed to capture sunlight from both sides for higher efficiency. These modules are installed on single-axis trackers that follow the sun’s movement during the day, helping to increase power generation. The plant is also supported by nearly 1,000 string inverters that ensure efficient conversion of solar energy into usable electricity.
The project is expected to generate around 360 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity every year. Under a 20-year agreement, the power will be supplied directly to Anglo American’s mining operations in the country. This includes operations run by De Beers, Kumba Iron Ore, and Anglo American Platinum. The use of solar power is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions from these energy-intensive industries.
The project also focuses on social and economic benefits. Pele Green Energy, a black-owned independent power producer, holds a 20% equity stake in the project. In addition, a community trust has been created to ensure that local communities benefit financially over the long term.
The successful commissioning of the Mooi Plaats Solar PV Project highlights how collaboration between the private sector and the mining industry can support clean energy growth. As Envusa Energy continues to develop more solar and wind projects, this plant provides a strong example of how large-scale renewable projects can help improve energy security and support a more sustainable future in South Africa.
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