The preferred bidder has been announced for a ZAR13 billion, 846 MW solar cluster project in the Free State, comprising three solar PV power stations.

Businesstech reports that Norwegian solar company Scatec is the preferred bidder for the project near Kroonstad. The project comprises: Oslaagte Solar 2, Oslaagte Solar 3 and Leeuwspruit Solar.

The Oslaagte facilities will each have a capacity of 293 MW while Leeuwspruit is slightly smaller with 260 MW.

The project falls under Bid Window 7 of government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement programme (REIPPPP).

It is reportedly Scatec’s biggest megawatt project in South Africa to date.

Financial close is expected next year, with construction set to start soon afterwards.

The company and Stanlib – through renewable energy platform Greenstreet – will own 50.9% equity in the project. Empowerment partner Redstreet will have a 46.50% stake and a community trust will hold 2.6%.

29 July 2025
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