MATJHABENG – Mulilo has announced a major breakthrough in South Africa’s renewable energy sector, successfully achieving financial close of the ambitious Middlepunt Solar PV project: a 337 MW photovoltaic facility that will be strategically positioned 15 kilometers east of Welcome in the local municipality of Matjhabeng.
This impressive development, which boasts a contracted export capacity of 240 MW, represents a significant investment in the Free State’s emerging role as a renewable energy hub while contributing significantly to the country’s renewable energy generation capacity.
Jan Fourie, CEO of Mulilo reports that the R4.4 billion project is also the first project procured under Bidding Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program, or REIPPPP, to reach financial close.
Middlepunt represents an important milestone not only for the national energy programme, but for the local economy of Matjhabeng as a whole.
Strategically positioned in the Free State Province, the project further supports the region’s growing role as a major energy hub, leveraging its geographical location to unlock large-scale renewable energy development and contribute to national energy security.
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During the construction phase, the project is expected to create local employment while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. Once operational, the facility is expected to generate approximately 770 GWh of clean electricity annually and will be connected to the Everest main transmission substation, supporting grid stability while contributing to South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable energy mix.
Although fewer jobs will be retained during operations, Mulilo plans to make a positive contribution over the life of the facility through the Social Impact Programme, with a particular focus on education, healthcare, skills development and SME development.
A 20-year power purchase agreement has been signed with the National Transmission Company of South Africa, further strengthening the role of transmission reform in enabling new generation capacity.
Electricity from the project will be supplied at a rate of ZAR 458/MWh (approximately USD 27/MWh), making it among the cheapest renewable energy sources worldwide.
The project brings together a strong consortium of partners, including Mulilo’s shareholders Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Norfund, alongside co-sponsors Reatile Group, Perpetua and a local community trust – demonstrating a partnership model that promotes inclusive participation and delivers long-term shared value.
Fourie said reaching financial close of the Middlepunt Solar PV project marks an important milestone for the REIPPPP program and for Matjhabeng as a strategic renewable energy hub. The project shows what can be achieved through effective collaboration between local, provincial and national governments. Mulilo remains focused on responsible execution and ensuring local communities benefit over the life of the project.”
Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Thanduxolo Khalipha, welcomed the significant investment in Matjhabeng and said it was encouraging to see Mulilo’s commitments made at the Matjhabeng Investment Conference in October last year beginning to take shape.
“The Middlepunt Solar PV project provides a valuable opportunity to stimulate local economic activity, including creating jobs during construction and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. We are further encouraged by the planned social impact initiatives that will deliver much-needed benefits to our communities,” said Khalipha.
Mulilo is a leading South African developer and independent energy producer specializing in renewable energy
in wind, solar and battery storage projects. With a development pipeline of over 30 GW, Mulilo is committed to driving South Africa’s transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Marti Will
novanews.co.za
