Ilikwa solar PV plant, South Africa – update
Photo by Mainstream Renewable Power
Name of the Project
Ilikwa solar PV plant.
Location
Near Parys, in the Free State, South Africa.
Project Owner/s
Renewable-energy provider Mainstream Renewable Power (70%) and Investec (30%).
Project Description
The project entails the construction of a 50 MW solar PV plant.
The plant will produce 141 GWh/y of electricity from 101 000 PV modules, powering the equivalent of more than 42 000 homes and avoiding the release of about 100 000 t/y of CO2.
The power from the plant will supply multiple private commercial and industrial customers under flexible, shorter-term power purchase agreements in a new-to-market product called Renewable Energy Supply Agreements.
Potential Job Creation
At its peak, the project created employment opportunities for more than 2 600 people, with the majority recruited from the neighbouring communities of Tumahole, Schonkenville and Vredefort.
Capital Expenditure
Investec is providing preconstruction development finance, as well as debt and equity finance, for the construction of the plant.
Planned Start/End Date
Construction of the facility started in October 2024 and was completed over a 21-month period.
Latest Developments
The project entered commercial operation in August 2026, marking the start of supplying commercial electricity to multiple private commercial and industrial customers.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Mainstream Renewable Power head of communications Emmet Curley, tel + 353 86 241 1690 or email emmet.curley@mainstreamrp.com.
Investec, tel +27 11 286 7000.
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