SolarAfrica has joined forces with MPower and Fledge Capital to develop a 184 MWp solar farm with battery storage in Mpumalanga, marking another significant addition to South Africa’s renewable energy landscape.

The Highveld Solar Park, which will include a 300 MWh battery energy storage system, is expected to begin delivering electricity through wheeling agreements from 2029. The project will be operated through Highveld Hybrid Energy (Pty) Ltd.

Located near eMalahleni, the facility will generate solar power during the day and store excess energy in batteries for use during peak demand periods. This approach allows corporate and industrial customers to access renewable energy even when the sun isn’t shining.

Growing pipeline addresses energy demand

David McDonald, chief executive at SolarAfrica, said the project forms part of the company’s expanding portfolio, which now includes 14 utility-scale developments across South Africa.

“We are focused on bringing new generation capacity online at scale while giving businesses greater flexibility in how they procure and consume electricity,” McDonald said.

He noted that battery storage is becoming increasingly central to the company’s projects as its pipeline matures.

Battery storage extends renewable energy availability

The combination of solar generation and battery storage allows the project to supply renewable energy beyond daylight hours, addressing one of the main limitations of solar power.

“By combining utility-scale solar generation with battery storage, we’re able to extend the availability of renewable energy beyond daylight hours and deliver a more complete energy solution for our customers,” McDonald said.

JZ Moolman, chief executive for MPower, said the project reflects changing market dynamics as businesses seek alternatives that offer long-term price certainty, improved energy security and lower carbon emissions.

“Together with SolarAfrica, we’re proud to play a role in meeting those needs for our customers,” Moolman said.

Partnerships drive project development

The development expands SolarAfrica’s operations, which span utility-scale generation, battery storage, wheeling, trading and on-site energy solutions.

McDonald said partnerships with MPower and Fledge Capital create a shared expertise that enables more projects to reach completion.

“Every site we advance increases the amount of renewable energy available to South African businesses,” he said.

The Highveld Hybrid Energy project adds to SolarAfrica’s portfolio, which includes its flagship SunCentral solar farm and other recently announced developments.

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