Renewable energy provider SOLA Group has announced that it has successfully achieved its ambitious target of generating 1 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy by 2025—one month ahead of schedule. This milestone, reached at the beginning of December, marks a significant contribution to South Africa’s renewable energy capacity and its shift toward a more sustainable energy mix, according to SOLA Managing Director, Katherine Persson.
“Producing 1 billion kWh is enough to power almost all of Bloemfontein’s residential demand for an entire year. The majority of this energy was generated in recent months, showcasing the rapid increase in our clean electricity production,” said Persson.
Staying committed to its mission of community development, SOLA has focused on creating local employment opportunities. Over the past two years, the company’s four major projects have generated 1,767 jobs during the construction phase, with many workers transitioning into permanent positions during the operational phase of the plants.
In total, these projects have invested over R462.5 million in local goods and services, stimulating economic growth and supporting businesses in the surrounding communities. Additionally, the company has contributed R5.3 million to community development initiatives in partnership with local stakeholders.
Persson attributed much of SOLA’s success to policy certainty, which has been a driving force behind the growth of renewable energy in South Africa since 2021. “In 2013, SOLA set a goal to produce 100 million kWh by 2020, which we achieved by the end of that year. Then, in 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a change to the Electricity Regulation Act, raising the licensing threshold for embedded generation projects from 1 MW to 100 MW. In January 2022, the government further removed the licensing cap entirely,” she explained.
“The removal of this cap allowed us to scale up quickly and achieve a tenfold increase in generation over a much shorter period,” Persson continued. “Policy certainty fosters an environment where private sector investment can create substantial value for the country. The lifting of the licensing cap was a key moment, and with continued clarity in policy, including fair grid access, we’re positioned to set even more ambitious goals for 2030.”
Highlighting the contributions of private sector players in renewable energy, Persson pointed out that SOLA’s solar plants help reduce the impact of daytime load shedding. “For instance, our Lichtenberg plants account for 20% of a single stage of load shedding. While load shedding has been less frequent lately, the economic toll of unserved energy had previously hindered growth in South Africa,” she said.
SOLA remains dedicated to supporting South Africa’s renewable energy transition by providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy solutions. “Our goal is to help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize environmental harm,” Persson stated. “While achieving 1 billion kWh by the end of 2024 is a significant accomplishment, our mission is far from over. Our Springbok and Selemela 1 solar projects are nearing completion, and with more projects on the horizon, we aim to continue expanding and supplying even more clean energy to help reduce dependence on harmful fossil fuels.”
