10 MW Solar For AWS In South Africa

• The Sola Group and Mahlako Energy Fund have commissioned a 10 MW solar power plant in South Africa under Energy Wheeling regime
• It is equipped with bifacial solar modules and single axis trackers in Khathu, Northern Cape
• Power generated is contracted to be procured by Amazon Web Services

The '1^st' large-scale solar PV wheeling project in South Africa has become operational, according to the local solar installer The Sola Group. Power generated is contracted for procurement by Amazon Web Services (AWS), under a power purchase agreement (PPA).

The 10 MW Adams Solar PV Project is part of Amazon's 3.4 GW renewable energy deal announced for various parts of the world in December 2020 (see Amazon's 26 Renewable Energy Projects Deal Partners).

Energy Wheeling regime in South Africa allows for energy generation projects to be located anywhere in the country and sell power generated to customers in other locations through Eskom's grid.

"The model could help South Africa significantly in sticking to its carbon emission reductions targets whilst supporting economic growth and just energy transition," said The Sola Group. "Power generated from Wheeling projects will increase the amount of IPPs and relieve the sole electricity provision burden on Eskom."

With Mahlako Energy Fund of Mahlako Financial Services (MFS) as its 45% stakeholder, the 10 MW facility is equipped with more than 24,000 bifacial solar modules on single axis trackers. The project is spread on 20 hectare land in Khathu, Northern Cape.

"This is a significant position for our Fund, which is 100% black-women owned and operated, showcasing our commitment to growing our portfolio to bring about desired returns for our investors, and our confidence in the renewable energy space as a viable and attractive to facilitate economic transformation." said Makole Mupita, Fund Principal of the Mahlako Energy Fund and non-executive director of Adams Solar PV Project.

In October 2021, South Africa awarded 2.583 GW renewable energy capacity to 25 preferred bidders for its REIPPPP bid window 5, comprising 975 MW of solar PV (see South Africa Concludes REIPPPP Round 5).