SolarAfrica has secured $85 million (R1.5 billion) in funding to develop SunCentral 2, the next 114 MW plant in its flagship utility-scale solar initiative in South Africa’s Northern Cape. The financing, provided by RMB and Investec Bank, represents a major step in expanding access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy for commercial and industrial customers, with first power expected in 2026.
SunCentral 2 follows SunCentral 1, also 114 MW, and together with SunCentral 3, it forms Phase 1 of the broader SunCentral vision, which will total 342 MW. At full scale, SunCentral aims to reach 1 GW, making it one of the country’s largest solar initiatives designed to provide energy through a one-to-many, bilateral wheeling model. This approach allows businesses to access renewable energy without the upfront capital costs typically associated with on-site solar systems.
David McDonald, CEO of SolarAfrica, emphasized the importance of dependable energy for businesses: “SunCentral is more than just a solar project—it’s a long-term infrastructure investment that allows companies to manage costs, reduce emissions, and rely less on utility power, which is often subject to unpredictable tariff hikes. Our funding partners’ confidence in this project validates the model and its potential impact.”
SunCentral 2 also incorporates community upliftment programs, continuing SolarAfrica’s commitment to social and economic development. Initiatives include job creation, skills development, local procurement, and education programs, ensuring that communities around the project benefit directly from its operations.
A critical component of the project is the Main Transmission Substation (MTS), engineered for up to 2 GW of green power evacuation capacity. This infrastructure strengthens the national grid and enables future renewable projects to connect efficiently, supporting South Africa’s broader energy transition.
By combining utility-scale solar generation with flexible wheeling solutions, SolarAfrica enables businesses to access cleaner, predictable, and cost-effective energy while maintaining operational control. The company’s broader wheeling pipeline, currently targeting 3 GW, reflects its ambition to scale renewable energy access across South Africa, providing sustainable solutions that balance economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social impact.
With SunCentral 2, SolarAfrica is demonstrating how strategic investment in renewable infrastructure can drive both commercial and community benefits, positioning the company at the forefront of South Africa’s transition to a greener, more reliable energy future.
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