Overview
Tom Burke Solar Park is a 66 MW solar PV facility in South Africa, owned by Enel Green Power. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity under the REIPPP programme.
Tom Burke Solar Park is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in South Africa, with an installed capacity of 66 megawatts. The plant is owned by Enel Green Power and is currently operational, playing a role in the country's growing renewable energy sector. The facility operates under South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPP), which has driven significant solar and wind capacity additions since its launch in 2011. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, and at this scale, the plant can power thousands of homes while reducing reliance on coal-fired generation. Environmentally, the solar park helps displace carbon emissions from fossil fuels, supporting South Africa's climate goals. The site's location in the Limpopo province benefits from high solar irradiance, ensuring efficient energy generation. The facility also contributes to local employment and grid stability.
Environmental context
The Tom Burke Solar Park is situated in a region with high solar irradiance, typical of South Africa's interior. Solar PV installations like this one have a low environmental footprint during operation, with no emissions or water consumption. However, land use for large-scale solar farms can impact local ecosystems, and careful siting is needed to avoid sensitive habitats. The facility supports South Africa's transition away from coal, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Tom Burke Solar Park is located in South Africa, near the town of Tom Burke in the Limpopo province.
Tom Burke Solar Park is owned by Enel Green Power, a global renewable energy company.
The facility has an installed capacity of 66 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar PV plant.
The plant operates under South Africa's REIPPP programme, which aims to diversify the energy mix and increase renewable capacity to reduce carbon emissions.
The facility uses solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert sunlight directly into electricity.