African Review - Energy

Energy

SolarAfrica secures financial close for utility-scale SunCentral solar project in South Africa

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More financing is finding its way into Africa's solar power sector (IMAGE SOURCE: Adobe Stock)

SolarAfrica has achieved financial close on the first 114 MW phase of its utility-scale SunCentral solar project after securing R1.8 billion (US$98mn) in investment alongside funding partners Investec and RMB

SunCentral is a large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plant between Hanover and De Aar in South Africa’s Northern Cape province, to be developed over three phases.

In a statement, SolarAfrica said the investment into SunCentral marks the start of the project’s rollout in South Africa.

Phase 1, consisting of 342 MW, will be delivered through a staged roll-out of three 114 MW facilities and will deliver renewable energy to a diverse range of off-takers by wheeling it through South Africa’s power grid. Phase 2 and 3 will increase SunCentral’s capacity to 1 GW.

Unlike similarly sized projects that offer wheeling on a one-to-one basis (with one generation plant supplying one off-taker), SolarAfrica’s project will offer wheeling on a one-to-many basis, making it available to a wider pool of businesses in South Africa.

“Reaching financial close on the first 114 MW of our utility-scale wheeling development and main transmission substation (MTS) investment marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions for our customers in the commercial and industrial sectors,” said SolarAfrica’s chief investment officer Charl Alheit.

He said that the size of SunCentral will unlock access to cheaper, greener power for even more businesses across the country.

“We are excited to see this project move forward as we continue contributing to the energy transition while delivering long-term value to our customers."

SolarAfrica is part of the greater Starsight Energy Africa Group. It wants the success of SunCentral to act as a blueprint for similar off-site generation projects in other African markets in which the Starsight Energy Africa Group companies operate.

“The construction of SolarAfrica’s SunCentral is a critical step in our journey to expand clean energy adoption across sub-Saharan Africa, noted Paul van Zijl, group CEO of Starsight Energy Africa Group.

“We are excited to move this project forward and continue delivering long-term value to our customers,” he said.

SolarAfrica is supported by investors African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) and Helios Investment Partners.

Thor Corry, investment director at AIIM, said reaching financial close on the first 114 MW on SunCentral marked a big milestone for SolarAfrica.

“The modular approach to construct the MTS and plug in subsequent 114 MW modules provides a superb platform for SolarAfrica to scale at pace to meet the needs of the C&I customers in South Africa who want to secure price certainty and cost efficiencies while furthering South Africa’s Just Energy Transition,” he said.

“With South Africa requiring up to 30 GW of new capacity by 2030 to meet its climate commitments and energy needs, projects like this are crucial.”

WATT advances solar storage solutions

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WATT Renewable Corporation increased capacity by 17%, improved uptime to 99.5%, and cut 1,329 tonnes of CO₂ through hybrid solar solutions. (Image source: WATT Renewable Corporation)

WATT Renewable Corporation (WATT), a key player in Africa’s hybrid solar solutions sector, achieved major milestones in 2024, cutting 1,329 tonnes of CO₂ emissions through its 233 hybrid solar and storage systems

The company expanded its installed capacity by 17% to 2.31MWh and boosted uptime to 99.50% at remote sites in Nigeria, reducing dependence on diesel generators.

Throughout 2024, WATT installed 37 new systems—a 16% increase—including 11 financial sector sites and 26 telecom sites. The telecom sector accounted for 70% of its total new capacity, aligning with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan, which aims to expand digital access and unlock opportunities in education, healthcare, and economic growth, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Enhancing power reliability

Technological innovation was also a key focus, as WATT transitioned from traditional Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries to advanced Lithium-Ion Battery (LIB) technology. This upgrade enhances energy storage by delivering longer-lasting power, quicker recharging, and improved reliability, ensuring businesses and communities remain resilient against grid disruptions.

“2024 was a milestone year for WATT,” said CEO Oluwole Eweje. “Our US$15mn partnership with AFRIGREEN and other strategic investments have driven market expansion and provided substantial benefits to businesses nationwide. By helping clients cut energy costs by 25-30%, we’ve enabled them to reinvest in growth, drive innovation, and gain greater energy independence. These achievements reflect our commitment to transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape with reliable, cost-efficient solutions that deliver real impact.”

WATT’s growth in 2024 was driven by its people-first philosophy. The company’s workforce expanded by 40%, with women representing 14% of that growth, emphasizing its commitment to diversity. Additionally, WATT empowered local communities by providing hands-on training to individuals in underserved areas, including security guards and janitors, equipping them with valuable skills for long-term employment.

This community-driven approach also extended to off-grid rural regions, where WATT installed solar-powered charging stations and security lighting, enhancing safety and accessibility.

Highlighting WATT’s commitment to local empowerment, Chief Business Officer Sherisse Alexander stated: “The growth of our team, particularly the increase in female employees, reflects the incredible talent potential here in Nigeria. By prioritising local talent, we’re empowering communities, supporting skills development, and fostering resilience in areas that need it most. This is about creating opportunities that directly benefit Nigerians, both within our company and across the areas where we operate.”

Also read: Financing costs still a barrier to scaling up power in Africa, says IEA

Masdar, TotalEnergies advance clean energy initiatives

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Masdar, TotalEnergies, and EPointZero collaborate to boost clean energy access in Africa, Asia, and India under UAE-France Business Council. (Image source: Masdar)

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE’s leading clean energy company, has joined forces with TotalEnergies and EPointZero, the decarbonisation division of 2PointZero, a global investment platform, to enhance access to clean energy across emerging markets in Africa and Asia

The three entities signed a Framework for Action (FFA) agreement to support sustainable energy development in these regions.

The agreement was formalised during the third plenary meeting of the UAE-France High-Level Business Council in Paris on February 16, 2025. This development aligns with the visit of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron to reaffirm their strategic partnership and explore collaborations in key sectors such as energy, climate action, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology.

Through this partnership, Masdar and TotalEnergies will work together to provide stable and sustainable electricity to communities in Africa, contributing to the continent’s long-term energy transition. Additionally, they will pursue new clean energy opportunities in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, TotalEnergies and EPointZero will collaborate to support India’s clean energy targets through solar, wind, and energy storage projects, reinforcing the country’s decarbonisation efforts.

Strengthening clean energy

This Framework for Action unites these leading companies under the UAE-France High-Level Business Council, enabling them to expand capabilities and improve clean energy access in emerging economies across Africa and Asia.

Masdar’s CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stated, “Enabled by the strength of the UAE-France bilateral relationship, Masdar is proud to be working with TotalEnergies to help deliver clean energy access across Southeast Asia and Africa. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to empowering local communities, driving socio-economic growth and sustainable progress, and advancing the global energy transformation. It is heartening to see the UAE-France Framework for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence signed last week, and we look forward to continuing to utilise cutting-edge clean energy technologies to drive access and sustainable growth.”

Stéphane Michel, president for Gas Renewable and Power at TotalEnergies, emphasised the long-standing partnership with Abu Dhabi, remarked, “By supporting the development of the country’s Oil and Gas reserves, TotalEnergies has been a key partner of Abu Dhabi for more than 80 years. We are now delighted to extend our partnership with Abu Dhabi to the development of renewable energies in emerging markets in Asia and Africa. Combining the strengths, expertise and reach of Masdar, EPointZero and TotalEnergies will certainly enable each partner to accelerate their growth and improve the quality of their investment in those fast-developing markets where renewable energies are key to those countries’ Energy Transition.”

Mariam Almheiri, group CEO of 2PointZero, reinforced the partnership’s broader impacted, “This partnership deepens UAE-France ties and advances our shared commitment to advancing the global energy transition. By combining the expertise of Masdar, TotalEnergies, and EPointZero, we are expanding clean energy access in emerging markets, accelerating decarbonisation, and driving economic growth. Our collaboration across India, Africa, and Asia will scale up renewables and energy storage, ensuring reliable, sustainable power for millions. Together, we are building a cleaner, more resilient world.”

UAE-France Business Council’s role in clean energy expansion

The UAE-France High-Level Business Council was established in July 2022, coinciding with a meeting between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Emmanuel Macron. Its purpose is to foster economic collaboration, encourage private-sector investment, and support innovation-driven projects.

The Council held its inaugural plenary session in January 2023 and has since played a crucial role in promoting joint initiatives that support a sustainable, low-carbon future. The UAE and France have maintained a Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership since 2022 and launched the UAE-France Bilateral Climate Investment Platform in 2024 to further strengthen their commitment to sustainable energy development.

Also read: https://africanreview.com/energy/south-africa-s-power-shift-begins

Nigeria must scale up decentralised energy, according to renewables expert

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Decentralised energy offers an alternative to traditional grid-based power supplies (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Scaling up investments in decentralised energy will be essential if Nigeria is to put an end to ongoing blackouts and provide the long-term energy security the country craves

That’s according to Sherisse Alexander, chief business officer at WATT Renewable Corporation, commenting after the release of the IEA’s Electricity 2025 report.

According to the IEA Electricity 2025 report, an estimated 70% of Nigerians had access to electricity in 2023 — up from 50% a decade ago.

But the gap between rural and urban areas remains stark — nearly 95% of residents in cities have access to power supplies, compared to only 40% in rural areas.

However, electricity supplies remain erratic in Africa’s most populous country.

“The IEA’s Electricity 2025 report reinforces what millions of Nigerians already know — grid instability remains a daily challenge,” said Alexander.

“According to Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, households endure around 6.7 blackouts per week, with each lasting an average of 12 hours.”

The IEA report adds that supply issues continued to constrain gas-fired generation, while, on the contrary, distributed solar PV in rural areas saw robust growth, a clear source of optimism.

And while other efforts to reform the industry’s structure show promise, including reshaping the transmission and distribution sector and creating local electricity markets, more work is needed.

“While grid reforms are underway, businesses and communities cannot afford to wait,” said Alexander.

“Hybrid solar-storage solutions are already delivering reliable, cost-effective power, reducing dependence on an unstable grid and expensive diesel. Scaling up investment in decentralised energy will be key to securing Nigeria’s energy future.”

Overall, Nigeria’s grid-based power supplies are increasing.

Following the start of the Zungeru hydroelectric plant in April 2024, Nigeria now counts 28 grid-connected power plants, which increased the country’s total installed capacity to 14 GW, compared to 12.6GW in 2023.

However, this growth in installed capacity did not suffice to compensate for the decrease of available capacity, which continues to be a thorn in the side for ordinary Nigerians.

In the first half of 2024, the average daily available capacity was 4.14 GW, slightly lower than the 4.54 GW recorded in 2023, the IEA report states.

Lagos State is leading the way in reshaping the industry’s structure by seeking to establish a distinct Lagos Electricity Market designed to operate independently of the national grid.

The Lagos State Electricity Bill 2024 aims to set up a comprehensive framework for a sustainable and competitive electricity landscape in the state, with a particular emphasis on enhancing infrastructure, promoting renewable energy adoption and ensuring consumer protection.

While decentralised energy and the roll out of distributed solar PV in rural areas shows great promise, for now, at least, it is millions of households and businesses that must bear the brunt of Nigeria’s inadequate power network.

Financing costs a barrier to scaling up power in Africa says IEA

Hybrid solutions to power C&I clients in Nigeria

Ghana’s LMI secures funding for industrial solar plant

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The solar plant will boost Ghana's manufacturing sector (Image source: Adobe Stock)

LMI Holdings is to expand clean energy generation for businesses in two of Ghana’s industrial zones with the construction of the largest private-sector-led, utility-scale solar power project in West Africa

The Ghana-owned conglomerate has secured funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) with a first tranche of US$21mn of a US$100mn loan facility.

The 150 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant will support business activity in LMI Holdings’ Tema and Dawa special industrial zones.

The first 100 MW phase is scheduled for completion by October 2026, with an additional 50 MW to be completed by June 2027.

Once completed, the so-called Solar For Industries project will ensure stable, cost-effective energy for more than 100 businesses across key industries, including food processing, cement, steel, textiles and light manufacturing.

The power plant is also expected to reduce carbon emissions by about 120,000 metric tons annually, while improving energy reliability and reducing costs for firms.

“A thousand-mile journey starts with a step,” said Kojo Botsio Aduhene, CEO of LMI Holdings. “This is the start of our planned 1.000 MW solar farm, a feat we intend to achieve by 2032.”

Long-standing collaboration

The IFC investment builds on a longstanding collaboration with LMI Holdings, which has a presence in the construction, property development, logistics, utilities and ICT industry, and is the primary developer of the Tema Free Zones Enclave (TFZE), which hosts more than 100 companies operating in various sectors, including building materials and agro-processing.

As a leader in design, construction and maintenance of industrial parks it has also embarked on developing its second industrial park with a total area of 2,000 acres, as part of a new Dawa Smart City Development, 40 km to the east of Accra.

The IFC, the World Bank’s private finance arm, has previously supported the development of a 16.82 MW rooftop solar PV plant in the Tema industrial zone, the largest single rooftop solar project in Africa, as well as a water treatment plant in the Dawa zone.

“Expanding access to reliable and affordable clean energy is critical for driving industrial growth and economic development in Ghana,” said Dahlia Khalifa, IFC regional director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa.

“Our partnership with LMI Holdings underscores IFC’s commitment to support private sector-led renewable energy projects that enhance competitiveness, attract investment, and create jobs.”

The project also aligns with Ghana’s Renewable Energy Master Plan, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix to 10% by 2030.