Mulilo has announced a significant breakthrough in South Africa’s renewable energy sector, successfully reaching financial close on the ambitious Middlepunt Solar PV project – a 337 MW solar photovoltaic facility that will be strategically positioned 15km east of Welkom within the Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
This impressive development, which boasts a contracted export capacity of 240 MW, represents a major investment in the Free State’s emerging role as a renewable energy hub whilst contributing substantially to the country’s sustainable power generation capacity.
Jan Fourie, chief executive officer (CEO) of Mulilo, reports that the R4,4 billion project is also the first project procured under Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) to have advanced to financial close.
The R4,4 billion project is also the first project procured under Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) to have advanced to financial close
– Johan Fourie, chief executive officer
Middlepunt represents a significant milestone not only for the national energy programme, but for the local economy of Matjhabeng as a whole.
Strategically positioned in the Free State, the project further supports the region’s growing role as a key energy hub, leveraging its geographic location to unlock large-scale renewable energy development and contribute to national energy security.
In the construction phase, the project is expected to create local employment opportunities whilst supporting small and medium enterprises.
Once operational, the facility is expected to generate approximately 770 GWh of clean electricity annually and will connect to the Everest Main Transmission Substation, supporting grid stability whilst contributing to South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable energy mix.
Although fewer jobs will be sustained during operations, Mulilo intends to make a positive contribution over the facility’s lifespan through its Social Impact Programme, with particular focus on education, healthcare, skills development and SMME development.
A 20-year Power Purchase Agreement has been concluded with the National Transmission Company of South Africa, further reinforcing the role of transmission reform in enabling new generation capacity.
A 20-year Power Purchase Agreement has been concluded with the National Transmission Company of South Africa, further reinforcing the role of transmission reform in enabling new generation capacity.
– Johan Fourie, chief executive officer
The project brings together a strong consortium of partners, including Mulilo’s shareholders Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Norfund, alongside co-sponsors Reatile Group, Perpetua, and a local community trust – demonstrating a collaborative model that advances inclusive participation and delivers long-term shared value.
Fourie said that reaching financial close on the Middlepunt Solar PV project marks an important milestone for the REIPPPP programme and for Matjhabeng as a strategic renewable energy hub.
“The project demonstrates what can be achieved through effective collaboration between local, provincial and national government,” he stated.
“Mulilo remains focused on responsible delivery and on ensuring that local communities benefit over the project’s lifespan.”
Mulilo remains focused on responsible delivery and on ensuring that local communities benefit over the project’s lifespan.
– Johan Fourie, chief executive officer
Thanduxolo Khalipha, executive mayor of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, welcomed the important investment in Matjhabeng, saying it was encouraging to see Mulilo’s commitments made at the Matjhabeng Investment Conference in October last year beginning to take shape.
“The Middlepunt Solar PV project provides a valuable opportunity to stimulate local economic activity, including job creation during construction and support for small and medium enterprises.
“We are further encouraged by the planned social impact initiatives that will deliver much-needed benefits to our communities,” Khalipha said.
■ Mulilo is a leading South African renewable energy developer and independent power producer, specialising in wind, solar and battery storage projects. With a development pipeline exceeding 30 GW, Mulilo is dedicated to driving South Africa’s transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
