South Africa adds 890MW solar under REIPPPP Bid Window 7

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced the appointment of additional Preferred Bidders to deliver 890MW of solar PV under Bid Window 7 of REIPPPP, representing a R16 billion investment.

• The new appointment increases total Bid Window 7 procurement to 3 940MW across 18 solar PV IPP projects, with South African equity at 49% and Black Economic Empowerment participation averaging 40%, to be formalised via Implementation Agreements with project companies; the four new projects are expected to connect to the grid within 24 months.
• Strong market interest saw 48 bidders offering 10.2GW, enabling reallocation of under-subscribed wind capacity to solar PV; three of the four new projects were awarded to Red Rocket, and the plants will be located in the Free State and Northern Cape to support industrial development, employment and long-term energy security in South Africa.