The Damlaagte PV Facility (Damlaagte), a 97.5-megawatt solar power plant built to supply renewable electricity to Sasol’s Secunda operations, where Air Liquide operates its oxygen production site, was officially inaugurated at the end of October 2025. The project is the first renewable energy facility to come online under Sasol and Air Liquide’s landmark 900 MW joint renewable energy procurement programme. This strategic initiative is a key enabler for both companies’ ambitious decarbonisation plans, supporting Air Liquide’s aim to reduce CO₂ emissions from its Secunda operations by 30% to 40% by 2031. It also plays a key role in enabling Sasol to achieve its 2030 target of securing up to 2 GW of renewable energy.
The Damlaagte solar plant near Parys, Free State, was officially inaugurated end October 2025.
The inauguration, held at the solar plant outside Parys in the Free State, brought together stakeholders, funders, off-takers, contractors, and partners to celebrate the achievement.
The Damlaagte PV facility is owned by Mainstream Renewable Power, uBuzwe Energy (Pty) Ltd, and the Thembelihle Trust. It connects directly to the Eskom grid and is expected to generate around 270 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually.
“We feel privileged to provide Sasol and Air Liquide with a renewable energy solution that directly supports their decarbonisation goals,” said Titania Stefanus-Zincke, Chief Operating Officer, South Africa, Mainstream Renewable Power. “This project allows us to support industrial decarbonisation and strengthen energy security. We extend our sincere thanks to our contractors and partners for delivering a world-class solar PV utility project, one that sets a new benchmark for collaboration and quality.”
Damlaagte contributes directly to Sasol’s broader renewable energy procurement programme. Bringing the plant into successful commercial operation marks an important step for Sasol towards achieving lower carbon intensity across its operations – and advancing the country’s industrial decarbonisation goals.
“We’re excited to have reached this milestone in our journey together with our partners Air Liquide and Mainstream Renewable Power, as we strengthen South Africa’s energy security and expand the country’s renewable energy capacity. As one of the country’s largest procurers of renewable energy, Sasol’s renewable energy programme is key in our strategy to grow and transform our business,” said Sarushen Pillay, Executive Vice President: Business Building, Strategy and Technology.
At the inauguration, Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré said, “I congratulate Sasol and Air Liquide on this momentous milestone. This is a significant achievement, particularly as it is their fourth renewable installation, which will contribute to the country’s energy mix and to reducing carbon emissions. Sasol is demonstrating how critical it is for industry to play its role in energy security. It is pleasing to note that more than 1700 job opportunities were created through this project. My hope is that this initiative will bring greater success and create further opportunities.”
Construction of the Damlaagte PV Facility began in November 2023 and the plant achieved commercial operation in August 2025. During this period, the project created employment opportunities for nearly 2 000 people, most of whom were recruited from the nearby communities of Tumahole, Schonkenville, and Vredefort. The project owners, In collaboration with the construction partners – Power China Maanda JV, LeadEPC, and Tractionel Holdings – placed strong emphasis on local procurement and enterprise development, to ensure participation by local businesses.
A dedicated skills development programme further enhanced the project’s socio-economic contribution, providing training to over 150 community members and leaving a lasting impact of skills and opportunity, enabling participants to take up employment on other renewable energy construction sites in the region.
“We remain committed to driving impactful investment in South Africa’s renewable energy sector,” said Indiran Pillay, Director, uBuzwe Energy. “Our involvement in the Damlaagte PV Facility strengthens our growing portfolio of 17 renewable assets generating over 1 000 GWh annually and underscores our focus on sustainable growth and inclusive local development.”
The operation and maintenance of the facility will be handled by Plus MAMSA (Mainstream Asset Management SA) and its O&M partner, Power China Maanda JV.
With the Damlaagte PV Facility online, Sasol’s operational renewable energy portfolio comprises:
- 3 MW Sasolburg (solar)
- 69 MW Msenge Emoyeni (wind)
- 10 MW Springbok (solar)
- 98 MW Damlaagte (solar; Sasol has 40% of the offtake)
For more information visit: https://www.mainstreamrp.com/
