Suntech, one of the world’s largest producers of solar panels, has announced that it is in the process of supplying approximately 250 megawatts (MW) of solar panels to three projects that are being developed, built and operated in South Africa under Round 4 of the REIPPP program.
Commenting on the announcement, Sean Friend, Investment Director at AIIM said: “We are delighted to have Suntech’s expertise on board these projects. As well as delivering strong long-term returns to AIIM investors, the new plants will provide essential clean energy to the grid which, in addition to environmental benefits, will help boost economic growth by creating jobs in construction and follow-up operations and maintenance.”
The projects, namely Droogfontein2 (86MW), Bokamoso (78MW) and Waterloo (86MW), which are currently being constructed at three separate sites in the country’s Northern Cape and North West provinces are majority owned by the IDEAS Managed Fund, a fund under the management of African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), one of Africa’s largest and most experienced infrastructure-focused private equity managers and a member of Old Mutual Alternative Investments. The sites are designed and constructed by Juwi South Africa and are expected to be operational during the course of 2020.
“We are excited to be partnering with Juwi, one of the world’s leading EPC renewable energy companies, and renowned for their engineering and implementation expertise,” Suntech South Africa’s Managing Director, Muneeb Gambeno, said in a statement last week.
“These projects will further showcase the ability of solar to provide sustainable energy and its growing contribution towards socio-economic development in South Africa.” he said.
The solar systems are expected to generate approximately 400 gigawatt-hours of electricity, enough to power approximately 380000 households and displace approximately 399200 tons of carbon emissions per year.
The projects are expected to create over 1500 employment opportunities during the construction period and 200 additional opportunities during the operations and maintenance phases of the respective projects.
“South Africa remains one of the most important emerging renewable energy markets globally,” said Suntech’s Global Vice President, Mr. Vincent Cao.
“Solar remains more cost competitive than many other forms of energy generation. We remain committed to participating in the Government’s REIPPP Program and to contributing towards socio-economic improvement in the country.” he said.
