NCP Chlorchem, a major producer of chlorine and related chemicals for drinking water, and Terra Firma, the country’s leading developer of solar and battery-storage solutions, have announced a 27 MWp multi-phase solar programme.
NCP’s expanded second phase combines rooftop, carport, and ground-mounted systems to deliver 10 MWp of generation, with a further 17.5 MWp under construction.
NCP’s primary production is classified as a National Key Point, reflecting its strategic role in ensuring the supply of safe, clean water to millions of South Africans. The new solar programme announced will supply a significant share of the site’s electricity demand, with several phases already completed, additional capacity coming online early in 2026, and full completion targeted by the end of 2026.
As South Africa’s essential industries contend with soaring energy costs, an unstable grid and growing pressure to decarbonise, onsite renewables are becoming integral to long-term cost management and operational stability.
NCP’s operations are highly energy-intensive, making long-term energy planning and emissions reduction central to its sustainability strategy. NCP’s solar journey with Terra Firma began in 2023 with a 1.1 MWp pilot implemented under earlier regulatory caps that limited project size. Following its success, the company expanded to a 10 MWp second phase, combining rooftop, carport and ground-mounted systems, which is now in the final stages of commissioning. A further 17.5 MWp is under construction, bringing total capacity to 27 MWp.
“As a producer of essential chemicals used in water and sanitation, sustainability is central to how we operate,” said Schalk Venter, MD, NCP. “Working with Terra Firma has allowed us to lower our carbon emissions and manage long-term energy costs more effectively. It’s a major step in building a more resilient and sustainable future for our operations.”
“As South Africa’s energy transition accelerates, more large energy users in complex industrial sectors are turning to onsite renewable systems to meet their cost and sustainability targets,” said Grant Berndsen, CEO, Terra Firma.
“Supporting a facility as vital as NCP’s, where uninterrupted operations are essential to public health, highlights the importance of getting these projects right. Integrating a 27 MWp solar system into an active chemical production site requires careful planning and collaboration, with the highest safety standards and processes. The success of this programme shows how renewables can be delivered effectively within such a high-stakes environment. It sets a benchmark for secure, compliant industrial decarbonisation.”
