Scatec lands Kroonstad PV cluster

Norwegian-based energy developer Scatec ASA has been awarded preferred bidder status on a new 846 MW solar power project by South Africa

It covers the so-called Kroonstad PV cluster, awarded by the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), under the seventh round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

Located in Free State province, the ‘cluster’ will comprise three solar power plants: Oslaagte Solar 2 (293 MW), Oslaagte Solar 3 (293 MW) and Leeuwspruit Solar (260 MW).

The award follows a re-allocation of megawatts under the seventh bid window from onshore wind to solar PV, Scatec noted in a statement.

Once operational, the various projects will provide clean and reliable energy under 20-year power purchase agreements (PPAs).

Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog called it another significant milestone for the company in South Africa, and one that marks its largest megawatt award to date in the country.

“The Kroonstad PV Cluster represents a significant addition to Scatec’s growing renewable energy footprint in sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.

“South Africa is one of our core markets and we are dedicated to continuing to grow our renewables capacity in the country in alignment with the nation’s energy transition agenda.”

Scatec entered the South African market in 2010, and with 730 MW in solar operation already, it is a leading player in the country's renewable energy space.

Cape Town is also where it maintains its engineering hub, a control and monitoring centre, and where it develops other new projects across Africa.

The estimated total project cost for the Kroonstad PV cluster project is ZAR 13 billion (US$735mn).

This will be financed with up to 90% non-recourse project debt and the remaining by equity from the owners.

Scatec will own 50.90% of the equity in the project with Stanlib’s infrastructure fund (through its renewable energy platform, Greenstreet), along with Redstreet owning 46.50% and a Community Trust holding 2.6%.

Scatec will provide engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), operations and maintenance (O&M), and asset management (AM) services to the project, with financial close expected next year.

“We are now looking forward to reaching financial close and start construction of the PV cluster during 2026,” said Alberto Gambacorta, Scatec’s executive vice-president and general manager for sub-Saharan Africa.

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Infrastructure push to expand 5G, enhance site security, and improve service during load shedding

MTN South Africa is investing R300 million (approx. US$17mn) to upgrade its network infrastructure across Gauteng, one of the most populous and economically vital provinces in the country

This initiative is part of a broader national investment plan, with MTN committing R4.5 billion (US$251mn) to its infrastructure rollout, set for completion in 2025. The Gauteng investment includes the addition of new base stations and enhancements to MTN’s digital backbone. Over 70 sites will receive capacity upgrades, modernisation, and energy improvements. The rollout will also bring 5G access and enhancements to existing LTE services, helping to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

“The R300 million investment, part of the national rollout to enhance the company’s digital capabilities, will lead to improvements in battery, site security, and energy facilities, including the availability of generators across the province,” said Machawe Dlamini, general manager for Gauteng Operations at MTN SA.

According to Dlamini, the development includes network strengthening strategies to maintain service continuity during load shedding and other potential disruptions.

While Gauteng is a focal point, MTN’s upgrade plans extend to other provinces. An additional R480 million (US$27mn) has been allocated for upgrades in KwaZulu-Natal, where the company will build new sites and increase rural access to 4G and 5G services.

MTN South Africa was recently recognised as the country’s top-performing mobile network for Q1 2025, according to MyBroadband Insights. The company aims to retain that position by continuing to expand its physical network infrastructure.

Gauteng contributes around 34% to South Africa’s GDP, making it a strategic priority for the telco. As Dlamini explained, “Our investment in the network infrastructure is a crucial facilitator in connecting the unconnected and fostering a more inclusive digital landscape across South Africa.”

JA Solar powers Zambia’s largest standalone solar plant with DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules

JA Solar has significantly contributed to Zambia’s renewable energy expansion by supplying high-efficiency solar modules for the country’s largest standalone photovoltaic installation — the 100MW Kabwe solar power plant

The facility is equipped exclusively with JA Solar’s DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules, known for their reliable performance in Zambia’s tough climate, which features extreme heat and seasonal shifts between wet and dry conditions.

The project was constructed by PowerChina and represents a major step forward in Zambia’s clean energy development. At the official launch, president Hakainde Hichilema highlighted the plant’s importance to the country’s energy strategy, noting that it aligns with Zambia’s goal to achieve 1,000MW of installed solar capacity.

Located in Central Province, an area impacted by electricity shortages, the Kabwe plant is expected to generate approximately 180 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity each year. This output will support the energy needs of around 150,000 households and reduce the region’s electricity deficit by up to 30%.

Reliable solar solutions

JA Solar’s DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules offer high energy yield and long-term operational stability. Their proven resilience under extreme conditions enhances the dependability of Zambia’s energy infrastructure and contributes to the country’s broader transition to low-carbon power sources.

The Kabwe solar project is also delivering socioeconomic benefits to the region. More than 1,300 local jobs were created during construction, and the expansion of electricity access is set to stimulate economic growth in industrial, agricultural, and mining sectors.

Building on the earlier success of the 33MW Riverside solar plant commissioned in 2023 — which also uses JA Solar modules — the Kabwe project further reinforces the market’s confidence in the DeepBlue series and its adaptability to varied environmental conditions.

“We are honored to support Zambia’s clean energy development through the Kabwe project,” said Aiqing Yang, executive president of JA Solar. “Their trust in our solutions reflects our commitment to delivering high-efficiency, high-reliability technologies tailored to regional needs. We are focused on creating long-term value for our partners and the communities they serve.”

In 2025, JA Solar received multiple accolades for product performance and innovation. These include “Top Brand PV Africa” by EUPD Research, “Overall Highest Achiever” by the Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC), and “Top Performer” in PVEL’s PV Module Reliability Scorecard. These recognitions affirm JA Solar’s leadership in solar technology excellence.

As Zambia works to diversify its energy mix and improve grid stability, the Kabwe project stands as a major milestone in its clean energy journey. JA Solar’s advanced modules, engineered for performance under local conditions, demonstrate the effectiveness of scenario-based solutions in real-world deployments. The company remains committed to supporting Africa’s sustainable energy future with dependable, high-performing products.

Funding boost for Rwanda's electricity sector (Image source: AfDB)

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved €173.84mn (US$201mn) in additional funding in support of electrification efforts in Rwanda

AfDB said in a statement that the goal of its Rwanda Energy Sector Result-Based Financing (RBF II) programme is to modernise the country’s electricity network, expand access to clean energy and strengthen institutional capacity.

In addition, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will also provide a further €86.92mn (US$101mn), bringing the total programme cost to €260.76mn (US$302mn).

RBF II is anchored on Rwanda’s Energy Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029, which aims to improve the quality of life of residents, drive economic growth and reduce poverty through targeted energy sector investments, the AfDB noted.

Specifically, it added, the new programme is focused on delivering results in three areas: modernising and extending the electricity network and systems; increasing access to on-grid and off-grid electricity and clean cooking technologies; and strengthening technical and institutional capacity.

It will connect 200,000 households and 850 productive use customers to the national grid, add 50,000 new electricity connections through off-grid solutions, provide clean cooking devices to 100,000 households and 310 public institutions, and install street lighting on 200 km of roads in secondary cities across Rwanda.

AfDB added that the RBF II programme forms part of the bank’s High-5 priority areas of ‘Light up and Power Africa’ and ‘Improve the Quality of Life of the People of Africa’.

Additionally, it will contribute to delivering on the Mission 300 Initiative of the African Development Bank and the World Bank to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, it noted.

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