Exxaro has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Cennergi, in collaboration with ENGIE, have been announced preferred bidder under the seventh Bid Window of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) for the 240MW Corona Solar Project located in the Free State.
Achieving financial close on the Corona solar PV facility will add 112MW to Cennergi's capacity, resulting in total assets under construction and operation of 607MWnet (890MWgross).
This includes the recent acquisition announcement of 138 MW Gouda Wind Farm and 75 MW Sishen Solar facility which is expected to close in the first half of 2026 subject to customary regulatory approvals.
From an economic development perspective, the project has committed to a community trust equity shareholding which will be funded by Cennergi and ENGIE on a pro rata basis. Further, the activities of the community trust will be aligned to our ESG and social impact investment goals.
Ben Magara, CEO of Exxaro, said: “We are excited to have been successful in this competitive bidding process that further extends our footprint across South Africa as we work towards realising a just and inclusive energy transition.”
Leon Groenewald, Executive Head of Energy at Exxaro, said: “Our collaboration with ENGIE further buttresses the importance of partnerships in realising our shared goals, with the project also aligning with our Sustainable Growth and Impact Strategy, which aims to grow our energy solutions business to reach 1.6 GWnet capacity by 2030.”
