ENGIE and Pele energise Graspan solar project

Pele Green Energy and ENGIE South Africa have formally inaugurated the Graspan Solar PV facility in South Africa’s Northern Cape, celebrating a project that has already entered commercial operation and is currently supplying electricity to the national grid

The 75 MW solar project was developed under Bid Window Five of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). Combined with ENGIE’s Grootspruit Solar PV project in the Free State, the developments contribute a total of 150MW of renewable generation capacity to the country’s electricity network.

Having already commenced operations earlier this year, Graspan is actively feeding power into the grid, underlining the growing importance of utility-scale solar projects in addressing South Africa’s ongoing energy supply challenges while supporting longer-term grid resilience.

“These projects demonstrate what matters most in the current environment, which is execution,” commented Sanjeev Mungroo, managing director: renewables and batteries at ENGIE South Africa.

“Graspan is an operating asset contributing power to the grid today. That is critical as South Africa works to close its supply gap and build a more resilient electricity system.”

The project was developed in collaboration with local stakeholders, reinforcing the role of partnerships between the public and private sectors in expanding generation capacity through the REIPPPP framework.

Beyond increasing electricity supply, the solar facility reflects the broader transformation underway within South Africa’s energy sector. As renewable generation capacity continues to grow, projects such as Graspan are expected to contribute to a more balanced and diversified energy mix while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.

“Graspan shows what happens when partnerships are anchored in shared purpose. We’re not just delivering sustainable power into the grid – we’re driving economic activity, creating pathways for growth, and making sure communities feel the benefits of the energy transition. Today isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s a foundation for opportunity, dignity, and progress. Beyond the megawatts, impact means jobs, skills, and lasting value for local communities. For Pele Green Energy, this is moving from promise to performance – commercially sound and socially meaningful,” remarked Nicolas Lecomte, general manager, Pele Green Energy.

In addition to strengthening energy security, the project is anticipated to generate wider economic benefits through local procurement opportunities, workforce skills development and long-term investment initiatives aimed at surrounding communities.

For ENGIE South Africa, the commissioning of Graspan also forms part of a larger renewable energy pipeline that includes newly commissioned facilities, preferred bidder projects and participation in South Africa’s evolving electricity market.

“Graspan is part of a wider portfolio that reflects our long-term commitment to South Africa. The focus now is not only on adding capacity, but on ensuring that projects are delivered, integrated, and operated in a way that supports reliability, growth, and system resilience over time,” added Mungroo.