Overview
Solar Capital De Aar III is a 75 MW solar PV plant in South Africa, owned by Eskom. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity under the REIPPPP program.
Solar Capital De Aar III is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located near De Aar in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. With a capacity of 75 megawatts (MW), it is a medium-scale solar facility that supports South Africa's transition to renewable energy. The plant is owned by Eskom, the national electricity utility, and is part of the country's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). The plant uses solar PV technology to convert sunlight into electricity, with no moving parts and low maintenance requirements. South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) has driven significant solar deployment, with over 6 GW of solar PV installed nationwide. The Northern Cape region, where the plant is located, offers high solar irradiance, making it ideal for solar generation. Solar Capital De Aar III contributes to grid stability and reduces reliance on coal-fired power, which dominates South Africa's energy mix. The plant helps diversify the energy supply and supports national targets for renewable energy, including the goal of 18 GW of renewable capacity by 2030 under the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Its operation aligns with South Africa's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Environmental context
The Northern Cape province features arid, semi-desert landscapes with high solar irradiance, making it suitable for solar PV development. Solar farms in this region require land clearing and grading, which can impact local flora and soil stability. However, the low population density and minimal agricultural use reduce land-use conflicts. The plant's operation produces no direct emissions, supporting South Africa's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its coal-heavy energy sector.
Frequently asked questions
Solar Capital De Aar III is located near De Aar in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.
The plant has a capacity of 75 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar PV facility.
The plant is owned by Eskom, South Africa's national electricity utility.
Solar PV in South Africa is primarily supported by the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), which has facilitated over 6 GW of solar capacity. The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) sets targets for renewable energy expansion.
The plant helps diversify South Africa's coal-dominated energy mix, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports the national target of 18 GW of renewable capacity by 2030 under the IRP.