Independent power producer (IPP) SolarAfrica has partnered with property investment company Moolman Group’s energy platform MPower and investment company Fledge Capital to develop the 184 MW utility-scale solar PV plant and 300 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), in Mpumalanga.
Located near eMalahleni, the Highveld Hybrid Energy project will combine large-scale solar generation with battery storage, thereby enabling renewable energy generated during the day to be stored and discharged during periods of higher demand.
This will allow customers to achieve greater renewable-energy penetration, which gives them more control of when and how they opt to use cheaper, greener energy instead of normal electricity supply, says SolarAfrica CEO David McDonald.
Highveld Hybrid Energy is expected to begin supplying renewable electricity through wheeling from 2029.
“Highveld Hybrid Energy reflects the continued evolution of South Africa's electricity market, where businesses are increasingly seeking alternatives that provide long-term price certainty, improved energy security and lower carbon emissions through wheeled renewable energy,” says MPower CEO JZ Moolman.
