South Africa’s 240MW Solar PV Plant Goes Live to Power Mining Operations

A major renewable energy milestone has been reached in South Africa with the commissioning of a 240MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, set to supply clean electricity to key mining operations.

Developed by Envusa Energy, a joint venture between Anglo American and EDF Group, the Mooi Plaats solar park is now the largest single-site solar facility in South Africa.

Clean Energy for Mining Sector Transformation

Located near Noupoort in the Northern Cape, the Mooi Plaats solar project has a capacity of 240MWac (283MWdc) and spans approximately 629 hectares. The facility is equipped with over 416,000 advanced bifacial solar modules, designed to maximise energy generation.

The plant will feed renewable electricity into the national grid while supplying power to major mining companies, including Valterra Platinum, De Beers, and Kumba Iron Ore, through wheeling arrangements.

This development supports the mining sector’s transition toward low-carbon operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy security.

Part of a Larger Renewable Energy Cluster

The Mooi Plaats solar park is the first completed project within the Koruson 2 cluster, a broader renewable energy initiative that also includes two 140MW wind farms—Umsobomvu and Hartebeesthoek—which are nearing completion.

The cluster builds on the earlier Koruson 1 development, where 420MW of wind power capacity was recently brought online under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

Driving Sustainable Mining and Energy Security

The integration of large-scale solar power into mining operations highlights a growing trend in South Africa’s energy landscape, where mining companies are increasingly investing in renewable energy to reduce costs, manage power supply risks, and meet sustainability targets.

Projects like Mooi Plaats not only support decarbonisation but also contribute to stabilising the national grid and advancing the country’s clean energy transition.

Conclusion

The launch of the 240MW Mooi Plaats solar PV plant marks a significant step forward for renewable energy in South Africa’s mining sector. As more large-scale projects come online, the country is positioning itself at the forefront of integrating clean energy into industrial operations across Africa.