Renewable Energy Revolution | Regional Focus

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11th June 2025

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Powering A Sustainable Future: Renewable Energy And Its Impact On The Northern Cape

By Jessie Taylor

The Northern Cape is fast becoming the heartbeat of South Africa’s renewable energy revolution. With its wide, open landscapes, abundant sunlight, and favourable wind conditions, the province is naturally positioned to lead the country’s transition towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. But beyond its climatic advantages, the Northern Cape’s commitment to renewables is also about socio-economic upliftment, skills development, and long-term infrastructure planning.

Renewable Energy Gains

A range of ambitious projects have put the province on the map, including large-scale solar and wind farms that contribute significantly to the national grid. These initiatives are not only transforming South Africa’s energy profile but are also creating jobs, empowering communities, and attracting both local and foreign investment into the region.

One of the most notable recent developments is the Scatec solar and battery storage facility in Kenhardt. This hybrid power project integrates 540 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation with 225 MW/1,140 MWh of battery storage capacity. What makes it groundbreaking is its ability to provide dispatchable electricity 24 hours a day – a key feature in stabilising the national grid. Under a 20-year agreement with Eskom, this project is not only helping to alleviate load shedding but is also setting new standards in renewable energy technology and reliability.
Meanwhile, EDF Renewables has launched the Koruson projects, split into two phases combining solar and wind generation with a cumulative capacity of over 940 MW. These multi-source projects offer a blueprint for integrated renewable energy models that can provide more consistent power and reduce reliance on coal. The development has also sparked auxiliary growth in the local economy, with increased demand for services, supplies, and skilled labour.
SolarAfrica’s SunCentral project adds to the province’s growing portfolio. With an initial capacity of 342 MW and a roadmap to scale up to 1 GW, SunCentral is one of the largest solar developments in the Southern Hemisphere. The project is strategically located near De Aar, a town already playing a pivotal role in the national energy infrastructure. Besides the enormous potential for energy generation, such projects also signify a shift in how rural areas can be revitalised through green investment.

The economic impact of these projects on the Northern Cape is undeniable. Through the government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), more than 69 000 job-years have been created, with the Northern Cape accounting for over 60% of them.

Promoting Job Creation

While many of these positions are tied to the construction phases of projects, there is a growing emphasis on sustaining jobs through operations, maintenance, and component manufacturing. Furthermore, the renewable energy boom has led to the development of related industries, including solar panel manufacturing and localised supply chains, helping the province diversify its economic base.

In addition to job creation, community upliftment remains a cornerstone of the renewable energy agenda. Developers are required to allocate a portion of their profits toward socio-economic development initiatives. These often take the form of educational support, health services, infrastructure upgrades, and support for small local businesses. At the national level, President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the Northern Cape’s strategic importance in the country’s just energy transition. Speaking at the 2025 Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA), the President reiterated the need to expand grid capacity to fully integrate the province’s renewable output into the national energy mix. He also called for increased investment in transmission infrastructure, warning that delays could hamper the full benefits of these green projects.

From an environmental standpoint, the benefits of renewable energy development in the Northern Cape are profound. By reducing the country’s reliance on coal-fired power stations, these projects are helping to curb greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. This is especially significant given that South Africa is one of the world’s most carbon-intensive economies. The shift toward renewables also reduces local pollution, improving air quality and reducing health risks associated with fossil fuel use.

The Northern Cape is well on its way to becoming South Africa’s green energy capital. The provincial government, in partnership with national stakeholders, continues to prioritise the development of renewable energy hubs. Future plans include building a green hydrogen corridor and establishing localised energy storage facilities, positioning the province as a centre for energy innovation not just in Africa but globally.