SOLA Group Springbok Solar Power Project, Free State. (Image source: SOLA Group)
The SOLA Group has announced the early and successful commercial operations date (COD) for the Springbok Solar Power Project, Africa’s first multi-buyer, flexible energy wheeling facility and the company’s largest project to date
Delivered ahead of schedule, the 195MW solar photovoltaic (PV) facility marks a breakthrough for large-scale renewable energy procurement on the continent. The project introduces a pioneering flexible multi-buyer platform model for large-scale solar PV in the region and is currently the only operational facility of its kind in Africa. It represents a major step forward in modernising South Africa’s grid infrastructure and sets a precedent for future developments, showcasing how innovative approaches can drive grid modernisation.
This is the fourth large-scale private wheeling project brought to commercial operation by SOLA Group, increasing its total operational portfolio to 464 MWp, the largest for private power contracts in South Africa.
Key highlights:
The facility delivers both long-term maximum savings and rolling PPAs with flexible contracting, offering a new market model that enables shorter-term, scalable agreements alongside longer-term contracts. The project is a first of its kind, allowing multiple corporates to procure power from a single plant under flexible contract lengths, making it Africa’s first multi-buyer operational project with short-term contract options. It also introduces the country’s first virtual wheeling power purchase agreement (PPA).
Amazon acted as the anchor buyer, with its long-term commitment playing a key role in unlocking financing and driving the project forward. Additional buyers include Sibanye-Stillwater, Sasol, Afrimat, Redefine, Old Mutual, and Vodacom.
As one of Africa’s first multi-buyer virtual wheeling solar PV projects, Springbok achieved COD ahead of schedule, reinforcing SOLA Group’s reputation for delivering projects on time and within budget. The facility has generated R375 million (approx. US$ 20.3mn) in local community investment and created 500 employment opportunities, while offsetting 399,000 tonnes of CO₂, underlining its role in expanding renewable capacity and supporting South Africa’s energy transition.
Designed specifically for multiple private corporate clients, this utility-scale facility is a milestone for the multi-buyer model in Africa’s energy landscape. Unlike traditional single-offtaker wheeling plants, the Springbok Solar Power Project combines long-term anchor contracts (with Amazon and Sibanye-Stillwater) and shorter-term agreements with seven additional companies. This innovative structure enhances flexibility and broadens access to renewable energy for diverse organisations across industries, fostering a resilient and inclusive energy ecosystem.
Other participants include Rio Tinto, Redefine, Old Mutual, Vodacom, Sasol, Afrimat, and BRM Brands, representing a wide range of sectors—from mining and telecoms to finance.
The project also delivers South Africa’s first virtual wheeling PPA with Vodacom, marking a key innovation for companies on Eskom’s low-voltage networks and within municipal areas to access renewable power. This enables buyers who previously lacked access to affordable bulk clean energy to benefit, even after maximising on-site generation capacity. Additionally, the project plans to supply power to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) by October 2025, contributing to energy supply across neighbouring countries facing power deficits.
At full capacity, the Springbok Solar Power Project will generate ~430 GWh annually, powering 150,000 homes and offsetting ~399,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year, equivalent to planting 6.5 million trees. The project’s sustainability efforts are complemented by community initiatives worth over R375 million (approx. US$20.3mn), with 100% of workers hired locally and 49% classified as youth.
SOLA’s community programmes are focused on lasting social impact. The Sports Against Crime initiative offers structured, positive activities for local youth, while the sewing and fashion programme in Matjhabeng Municipality equips unemployed learners with vocational skills. In 2024, 47 participants graduated with recognised qualifications and received sewing machines to help them launch businesses or gain employment in the textile industry. SOLA will continue supporting local initiatives throughout the operational phase.
The launch of the Springbok Solar Power Project coincides with the global surge in renewable energy adoption—renewables now account for around 32–36% of global electricity generation, up from 29.9% in 2023. Combining scale, innovation, and community investment, Springbok exemplifies how South African companies can meet decarbonisation targets while reinforcing energy security.
Constructed through a joint venture between SOLA Group and WHBO, with funding from RMB, Investec, ABSA, Revego, and Ubuzwe, the project is a strategic success story that strengthens the wheeling model for future large-scale renewable projects and advances virtual wheeling and energy market reforms.
SOLA Group plans to build on this momentum with new large-scale utility projects set to begin in November 2026, incorporating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). When integrated with solar power, these systems will provide a cost-effective and reliable alternative to wind energy, ensuring steady power supply and continued innovation in South Africa’s renewable energy landscape.
