Independent power producer (IPP), Sturdee Energy, has reached financial close on the 91.2 MW Bela Bela Solar Park in Limpopo. This is a landmark project for Sturdee Energy. It will deliver clean, reliable power to a major South African gold mining company. The project brings Sturdee Energy’s projects in construction and operations to over 200 MW across three Southern African countries.
The Bela Bela Solar Park will wheel clean energy to mining and smelting sites around the country.
With financial close achieved, Sturdee has the green light to begin construction on the Bela Bela Solar Park. It is mobilising its teams, partners, and resources to deliver on the R2 billion project.
Powering progress in mining
The Bela Bela Solar Park will wheel renewable energy through the Eskom grid to supply the gold mining company’s various mining and smelting operations around the country. This will enable a reduction of carbon-intensive energy usage and contribute significantly to the company’s economic and sustainability goals.
The five-year power purchase agreement (PPA) is an example of how Sturdee Energy can deliver wheeled renewable energy to mining companies on terms that are tailored to their short- and medium-term business objectives.
Designed for high yield and long-term efficiency, the Bela Bela Solar Park will feature the latest module technology with JA Solar modules mounted on GameChange Solar’s single-axis trackers, and using Sungrow inverters to maximise solar power generation.
Engineering, procurement and construction will be handled by Cox Energy South Africa, a local subsidiary of Coxabengoa, the Spanish-listed energy and water infrastructure group known for the large-scale renewables projects on which it has worked worldwide.
Working with the relevant players at Eskom, Cox Energy South Africa has submitted the documentation required for grid connection and detailed design works have been completed. The project will connect into the Warmbad substation.
Strong backing and sustainable finance
The R1.2 billion debt package was secured under a non-recourse project finance structure from Rand Merchant Bank, including a flexible power purchase agreement that highlights the strength of Sturdee’s partnerships and long-term vision.
The transaction reflects the continued confidence and support of Sturdee’s shareholders, whose shared commitment to sustainable growth has been key to driving the company’s regional expansion.
Clean energy, lasting impact
Once operational, the Bela Bela Solar Park will generate around 209 GWh of clean electricity annually, preventing an estimated 170 000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in its first year and nearly 4 million tonnes over its 30-year operational life.
Beyond reducing emissions, the project will put people to work, help to attract regional investment, and add clean power to South Africa’s grid.
This major project builds on Sturdee’s existing project portfolio and the company sees it as a foundation for a future pipeline of solar and BESS, and wind projects.
Commenting on the achievement of financial close, Executive Directors James White and Andrew Johnson shared their thoughts.
“The Bela Bela project provides another example of how Sturdee Energy can make complex things simple and get the job done,” said White.
Johnson said: “The Bela Bela Project is a special project for Sturdee given its scale, the members of the team, and the opportunity for them to progress in their renewable energy career aspirations.”
Both directors also note the assistance and commitment from all stakeholders – from advisers, contractors and the many people involved in creating a greener future and associated opportunities in the town.
Moving into construction Sturdee Energy aims to see first power generation from the Bela Bela Solar Park by mid-2027.
For more information visit: www.sturdee-energy.com
