Overview
De Aar 3 Solar Power Plant is a 75 MW solar PV facility in South Africa, owned by Solar Capital De Aar 3. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity under the REIPPPP program.
De Aar 3 Solar Power Plant is a 75 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located near De Aar in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. The plant is owned by Solar Capital De Aar 3 and is operational, adding to the region's renewable energy generation capacity. The plant uses solar PV technology to convert sunlight into electricity. With a capacity of 75 MW, it falls within the medium-to-large scale for solar farms in South Africa. The facility operates under South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), which has driven significant solar and wind deployment in the country. The De Aar area is known for its high solar irradiance, making it ideal for solar energy generation. The plant contributes to grid stability and helps reduce reliance on coal-fired power. It also supports South Africa's goal of increasing renewable energy share to 42% by 2030 under the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2019).
Environmental context
The Northern Cape province offers high solar irradiance, ideal for solar PV generation. Solar farms like De Aar 3 require land use but have low water consumption and no emissions during operation. Potential impacts include habitat alteration and visual landscape changes, though these are managed through environmental impact assessments required under South African law.
Frequently asked questions
De Aar 3 Solar Power Plant is located near De Aar in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.
The plant has a capacity of 75 megawatts (MW), using solar photovoltaic technology.
The plant is owned by Solar Capital De Aar 3, a special purpose vehicle under the REIPPPP program.
South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) and the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2019) support solar PV deployment, targeting 42% renewable energy by 2030.
The plant adds clean electricity to the grid, reducing reliance on coal and supporting national renewable energy targets under the IRP 2019.