Norwegian renewable energy developer Scatec ASA has commenced commercial operations at its 273 MW Grootfontein solar power plant in the Western Cape, expanding large-scale solar generation capacity in South Africa.
The plant began commercial operation on December 6 and will generate predictable revenues under a 20-year power purchase agreement. According to Scatec, the long-term contract provides financial stability and supports the project’s viability over its operational life.
The power plant is expected to generate about 700 GWh of clean energy annually, resulting in an estimated abatement of 630 000 t of CO₂ emissions. Scatec describes the facility as the largest co-located solar PV cluster in the Western Cape. Scatec owns 51% of the equity in the project while local black economic empowerment partner H1 Holdings holds 46,5%, and the Grootfontein Local Community Trust owns the remaining 2,5%. Scatec will provide operations and maintenance as well as asset management services for the power plant.
Scatec’s executive leadership has emphasised the strategic importance of the plant as a key milestone for the company in the region. Alberto Gambacorta, Executive Vice-President and General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Scatec, describes Grootfontein as an important achievement for Scatec and its partners in advancing renewable energy deployment.
