Independent power producer Yellow Door Energy and Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (Nedbank CIB) have achieved financial close on the 49 MW Lion Thorn Solar Park, in Leeudoringstad, North West.

Nedbank CIB is financing the utility-scale solar project, enabling construction to proceed.

The project has secured long-term power purchase agreements with JSE-listed construction materials company PPC and POWERX, a National Energy Regulator of South Africa- (Nersa-) licensed private electricity trader.

Once operational, it is expected to generate about 115 GWh of renewable electricity in its first year and avoid an estimated 104 190 t/y of carbon emissions.

The transaction comes as private investment in South Africa's electricity sector continues to grow and supports the development of new renewable generation capacity while contributing to South Africa's energy transition, long-term energy security and economic growth.

In 2025, Nersa-registered private generation projects represented an estimated R158-billion in investment and 7 464 MW of generation capacity.

Nedbank CIB principal of power and renewables finance South Africa Hlatse Nkune notes that the electricity market is evolving, creating new opportunities for renewable-energy developers, traders and corporate customers.

Nkune says Lion Thorn Solar Park demonstrates how innovative financing and long-term offtake arrangements can unlock new generation capacity, strengthen energy security and support the country's transition to a more sustainable energy future.

“Transactions such as these are critical to accelerating private sector participation in the energy market and expanding access to reliable electricity. At Nedbank CIB, we are proud to partner with Yellow Door Energy, which helps accelerate sustainable energy growth through innovative financing,” he says.

Construction is scheduled to begin in September, with commissioning anticipated in 2028. The project will create employment and economic opportunities during construction and operations.

“Reaching financial close on Lion Thorn Solar Park is an important milestone for Yellow Door Energy and demonstrates our ability to develop bankable, large-scale renewable-energy projects in South Africa.

“The project will provide reliable, cost-effective clean electricity to our customers while supporting energy security, economic growth and the country's transition to a lower-carbon future,” adds Yellow Door Energy South Africa MD John Taylor.