A 184 MWp solar photovoltaic plant, coupled with a 300 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), is being developed near eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, with electricity supply through wheeling expected to begin in 2029.
The Highveld Hybrid Energy project is being developed by independent power producer SolarAfrica in partnership with MPower, the Moolman Group’s energy platform and Fledge Capital.
The battery will store electricity generated during the day for discharge during periods of higher demand, extending the availability of the plant’s solar output. “By combining utility-scale solar generation with BESS, we’re able to extend the availability of renewable energy beyond daylight hours,” said SolarAfrica CEO David McDonald.
The project intends to supply commercial and industrial customers through electricity wheeling although no customers or power purchase agreements were identified in the announcement.
“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.
Highveld Hybrid Energy is part of SolarAfrica’s utility-scale development pipeline, which comprises 14 projects across South Africa.
“Together with SunCentral and other recently announced developments, it reflects the investment we’re making to meet growing demand for wheeled renewable energy,” McDonald said.
