Energy

JUWI to construct three private solar projects in South Africa, adding 340 MW capacity and 2,000 jobs. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

JUWI Renewable Energies, a global leader in renewable energy, has announced plans to commence construction on three large-scale private solar projects in 2025

With a combined investment exceeding ZAR6 billion (US$319.2mn) and a total capacity of 340 megawatts (MW), these projects will significantly advance South Africa’s clean energy goals while supplying power to key industry players, including Glencore, Teraco, Sasol, and Air Liquide.

Together, the projects will generate over 1 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable energy each year—enough to power 200,000 South African households—while reducing nearly 1 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. The construction phase is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs, strengthening JUWI’s position in South Africa’s renewable energy market and contributing approximately 5% to the nation’s total solar PV capacity.

“These projects underscore the critical role of private sector leadership in driving South Africa’s energy transition,” stated Richard Doyle, managing director of JUWI Renewable Energies. “As one of the pioneers of the country’s renewable energy sector, JUWI is proud to partner with energy-intensive industries and IPPs to deliver innovative projects that enhance energy resilience, reduce emissions, and accelerate progress toward net zero. These projects reflect our commitment to building a sustainable energy future for South Africa.”

The beginning of 2025 marks major strides for South Africa’s energy sector, with the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act taking effect and the announcement of Bid Window 7 projects under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). These policy changes are critical as South Africa’s updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), released in November 2024, sets a target of 26 GW in new renewable capacity by 2030—necessitating an annual deployment of 6 GW of wind and solar power.

“Achieving South Africa’s renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets demands urgent and decisive action from the country’s most energy-intensive sectors,” said Dr Rethabile Melamu, CEO of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA). “Private sector investments are essential, especially considering our heavy reliance on coal and the carbon-intensive nature of our economy. These projects not only accelerate our transition to clean energy but also highlight innovative business models and solutions, while strengthening the resilience and global competitiveness of our industry. We are excited that JUWI, one of SAPVIA’s long-standing members, will play a pivotal role in delivering these transformative projects, further establishing solar PV as a key technology in securing South Africa’s energy future.”

In addition to these new developments, JUWI currently operates and maintains nine large-scale renewable projects across Africa, with a total capacity of 574 MW, generating nearly 1 million MWh of clean electricity annually.

Egypt is looking to expand its share of renewables in the energy mix. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

China’s Envision Energy is to supply turbines for a 1.1GW onshore wind farm project now being built by Suez Wind Energy in Egypt

Construction starts in January 2025, with full commercial operations anticipated by 2027.

Suez Wind Energy is a joint venture that groups Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power with HAU Energy.

Financing for the wind energy project is supported by lenders including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the African Development Bank and the French infrastructure fund Meridiam.

In a statement, Envision Energy said the project will enhance Egypt’s renewable capacity, supporting the country and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s energy transition and sustainable development goals.

It will feature 138 of Envision Energy’s state-of-the-art 8MW wind turbines, designed for high wind speeds and sandy environments and include 25 years of long-term maintenance services, ensuring optimal performance and reliability throughout its lifespan.

The project is set to become one of the largest wind farms across the whole MENA region.

"We are thrilled to be part of this transformative project in Egypt. By leveraging our cutting-edge turbine technology and industry-leading supply chain integration, this project will set a new standard for large-scale wind energy in the MENA region," said Kane Xu, senior vice-president and president of international product lines at Envision Energy.

“As the world accelerates its transition to cleaner energy, this project highlights the power of innovation and collaboration to scale sustainability. It underscores our commitment to delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique challenges of renewable energy deployment in diverse environments.”

Envision Energy's 8MW platform turbines are customisable with different blade configurations and hub heights to optimise energy capture in diverse conditions.

The company said it would draw on its vertical supply chain integration and in-house development and manufacturing of critical components to deliver the turbines to the project.

Additionally, the use of Envision's Galileo system, which analyses real-time wind data to define precise load conditions for component- and system-level testing, ensures unmatched performance, it added in a statement.

The project also marks a significant milestone in the MENA region's clean energy journey. It is currently Egypt’s (and Africa’s) largest wind energy project. When complete, it will increase Egypt’s total wind capacity by 70% and push its share of renewables to 42% of total energy by 2030.

“It will enhance Egypt’s renewable energy infrastructure, attract further investment, drive innovation and create job opportunities,” the statement read. “By setting a new benchmark for large-scale renewable energy projects, the wind farm underscores Envision Energy's commitment to advancing the global energy transition and lays the foundation for future collaborations worldwide.”

The ACWA Power consortium has signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), with a total investment value of US$1.5bn for the development, construction and operation of the project. EETC will act as the sole off-taker for the venture, which is located in Suez Gulf and Gabal El Zeit province near Ras Gharib city.

When complete, the plant will be capable of powering more than a million homes, while offsetting nearly 2.4 million tons of emissions per year.

Ezra Group, a prominent business conglomerate, proudly unveiled its 20MW solar power plant and 14-Megawatt (MWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in South Sudan

Developed and funded internally by Ezra Construction and Development Group Ltd., a subsidiary of the Ezra Group, this project marks the nation’s first official renewable energy source.

This development is a pivotal move toward reducing carbon emissions, lowering electricity costs, and providing sustainable, reliable energy to South Sudan. The project contributes not only to the country's environmental targets but also to improving energy accessibility and affordability for local communities.

The 20MW solar facility is capable of supplying power to approximately 16,000 households in Juba, offering a significant reduction in energy prices and enhancing grid stability. The BESS will store energy from the solar plant, providing on-demand power, stabilizing the grid, and ensuring consistent renewable energy reliability. This groundbreaking technology uses advanced Huawei components, such as smart inverters, smart transformers (STTs), and smart loggers, to deliver a highly efficient and sustainable solution.

Natnael Ghebrengus Ezra, chief operations officer of Ezra Group, expressed deep appreciation for the government's support, "Our success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the Ministry of Energy and Dams. Your vision and leadership have been instrumental in advancing reliable renewable energy in South Sudan."

He further added, "This project is more than just an infrastructure milestone—it is a symbol of what we can achieve through shared purpose. Together, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, cleaner, and more prosperous future. Let us continue to drive progress, innovation, and sustainability for generations to come."

Partnerships driving progress

The success of this project is largely due to the strategic collaboration with key partners, including the South Sudan Electricity Corporation (SSEC) and the Ministry of Energy and Dams, which oversee electricity generation, transmission, and distribution across the country. Their crucial role in approving and integrating renewable energy into the national grid was fundamental. Additionally, the Juba Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO), a public-private partnership between Ezra Group and SSEC, serves as the primary distributor of electricity in Juba, receiving bulk energy from Ezra Construction & Development Group, ensuring efficient energy delivery to the local population.

Renewable energy expansion plans

The solar plant now supplies 19% of JEDCO’s total energy distribution, complementing the existing thermal power plants. However, to ensure sustained reliability and long-term growth, additional renewable sources like the government-operated Nisitu Solar Plant will be essential in supporting thermal energy output.

Ezra Construction & Development Group remains dedicated to discovering cleaner and more cost-efficient power alternatives. The Group continues to work towards reducing energy costs further and expanding renewable energy projects to benefit even more communities throughout South Sudan.

Africa is poised to become a global leader in green hydrogen production, with challenges to overcome. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Africa is poised to play a crucial role in the global green hydrogen market, with 41 projects projected for development in the next five years, according to a new report by the Energy Industries Council (EIC), a leading global trade association that provides data, insights, and events

However, the EIC warns that the hydrogen industry in Africa faces significant hurdles, such as securing offtake agreements, creating regulatory frameworks, and building reliable infrastructure.

The Africa OPEX Report 2025 highlights that North African nations, including Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco, are at the forefront, capitalizing on their abundant sunshine to drive green hydrogen production and export infrastructure investments.

Africa's hydrogen potential

These countries’ strategic positions across the Mediterranean from Europe—where Germany, Austria, and Italy plan to repurpose 3,300 km of existing gas infrastructure—are set to facilitate the import of 4 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually. Egypt’s National Green Hydrogen Strategy, for example, aims to capture 8% of the global hydrogen market and produce 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2050, much of which will be exported.

Neil Golding, EIC’s director of Market Intelligence, urged caution in viewing the sector’s growth. “While the longer-term outlook looks positive for the hydrogen sector, no commercial-scale project has yet reached a final investment decision,” he said. “Offtake agreements need to be signed, and demand created for the projects to be commercially viable. At the same time, we see the need for regulatory frameworks to be established and the development of robust infrastructure.”

He further emphasised, “What is clear is that North Africa is well placed to support Europe’s hydrogen ambitions and could become a potentially significant supplier of the molecule in the future. Financial support is also coming in the form of EU grants for some African countries, notably Namibia and South Africa, across the hydrogen value chain, which points to a positive outlook for the sector.”

The report, written by EIC analyst Aqilah Shahruddin, provides an extensive analysis of Africa’s energy landscape, covering renewable energy projects, carbon capture, energy storage, and traditional sectors like oil, gas, and thermal power.

Africa’s vast resources and low production costs make it an ideal location for scaling green hydrogen production, powered by renewable sources like solar and wind. The Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance, which was launched in 2022 and includes Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, and South Africa, aims to position the continent as a global leader in the sector.

According to the report, 41 hydrogen projects are expected to begin development by 2030. Sub-Saharan Africa is also advancing in the green hydrogen space, with Namibia spearheading large-scale projects. Namibia’s US$10bn hydrogen initiative will generate 15,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent positions. To the north, Mauritania’s Aman and Nour projects are expected to generate 40 GW of power for hydrogen production.

Despite the enormous potential, the report highlights several challenges to unlocking Africa’s green hydrogen potential, including the need for major infrastructure investments—such as pipelines, ports, and export facilities—and clear policy frameworks and regulatory support to attract investment.

The report stresses that the high upfront costs of green hydrogen projects necessitate international cooperation and financing initiatives. Europe’s REPowerEU Plan, which seeks to reduce dependence on Russian gas and aims to import 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually from Africa, signals that efforts are already underway. However, the report underscores that additional targeted funding and collaboration will be essential to scaling up hydrogen production in Africa.

Rebecca Groundwater, EIC’s head of external affairs, remarked, “If anything, this report, like many others the EIC produces, is a clear case for supply chain companies to look around the globe for opportunities rather than limiting themselves to markets they’re traditionally active in. This requires, of course, getting out of the comfort zone and for governments to help businesses understand different international markets, and Africa is no exception to that.”

She continued, “But of course, for businesses in Europe and elsewhere to move to Africa, there needs to be the right regulatory and financing conditions that help propel Africa’s hydrogen and, indeed, cleantech potential. But capital isn’t ample in Africa, and hence the need for international collaboration to open new financing channels in the continent.”

The green hydrogen industry is closely linked to Africa’s broader renewable energy growth. The report notes that 61.1 GW of renewable energy capacity is currently operational across the continent, with substantial investments in solar and wind. South Africa leads in solar capacity with 59 operational solar farms, while North African countries like Egypt and Morocco are driving wind energy expansion, adding 9 GW of wind capacity to the grid by 2024.