Minister of Energy in South Africa, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, oversaw the launch of the next phase of the Solar Capital De Aar project in the Northern Cape province on March 17.
The second phase of the project adds 75 MW of solar power to the nation’s power grid, according to a release from the government.
“The Solar Capital De Aar 3 (PV) is a 75-MW facility which will be able to power 49,500 South African homes every year, and with the introduction of lithium batteries, will soon transfer power at night when most needed. Amongst the positive socio-economic benefits for the community are the creation of 60 permanent jobs in maintenance and operations, with 8 700 non-permanent jobs created at the peak of construction. R11 million would have been invested by end of 2016 towards community upliftment programs, and a total of R281 million earmarked for the 20-year lifespan of the project,” a statement from the government read.
The De Aar project was developed by Solar Capital, a subsidiary of South Africa-based company, Phelan Holdings.