JUWI to build three private solar plants

Image of solar panels with a wind turbine

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.