By Khumo Makame
The Mayor of Siyancuma local municipality, Patrick McKlein, officially launched a 150MW twin Solar plant at Graspan Solar PV, a partnership between Engie and Pele Green Energy, on Tuesday, 21 April.
The plant, which is partly situated next to the N12 outside Hopetown, is also on the borders of the Free State province.
Pele Green Energy and Engie each developed 75MW of the solar plant, of which both reached commercial closure in January 2026.
The plants are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 100,000 tonnes of CO2, while supplying clean energy to thousands of households.
The project is among those launched in South Africa due to high solar radiation levels, thanks to about four-and-a-half to six-and-a-half peak hours of sunshine daily, statistically.
That made regions like the Northern Cape ideal for large-scale solar plant development globally.
Since the inception of the renewable energy sector, more than 50,000 jobs have been created in the province.
This project is lauded for boosting economic value through job creation, as the communities around it were offered opportunities as suppliers and contractors.
Graspan Project Manager Shiraaz Jogee lauded the construction process at the project for being completed with zero lasting incidents.
It is envisaged to meet the electricity needs of approximately 80,000 South African households.
Pele Green Energy General Manager, Nicolas Lecomente, highlighted that the project goes beyond electricity generation, but also creates growth as it will be supporting energy security and economic activity.
“Energy for us is not just power that we inject, it is impact. Development must be inclusive from Ritchie to Hopetown. It must be a foundation for opportunity, for growth, and for dignity,” he said.
Managing Director of Renewable South Africa, Sanjeer Mugroo, described the project as a symbol of confidence in the country’s renewable energy sector.
He explained that the project is not an abstract ambition, but backed by skill, capital, and execution.
He said Engie’s global strategy is poised to become the best energy transition utility in the world, to lead by example in delivering a secure, affordable, and decarbonised energy transition.
According to Mugroo, Engie has over 100 MW of renewable power globally, with a further 115 GW in the development phase, with a commitment to reach a 0% Carbon by 2035.
“Today we pause not just to recognise this infrastructure, but to reimagine what is possible. “Graspan now represents confidence in South Africa and makes a meaningful contribution to addressing climate change,” said Mugroo.
“We are harnessing the natural resources responsibly, by transforming sunlight into long-term value.”
The proud Executive Mayor of Siyancuma Municipality, Patrick Macklein, said the project underscores the region’s growing role as a renewable energy hub.
“Today marks a defining moment for our municipality. This is the fourth plant in Siyancuma, and it shows that we are ready to lead in renewable energy.
“We have the best sun and the potential to create green jobs. This is only the beginning,” he said.
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