- The Damlaagte Photovoltaic (PV) Facility, a 97.5-megawatt solar power plant near Parys, has been officially inaugurated.
- The project is the first renewable energy facility to reach commercial operation under Sasol and Air Liquide’s 900 MW joint renewable energy procurement programme, a key element of both companies’ strategies to reduce their carbon footprints.
The plant supplies renewable electricity to Sasol Secunda Operations, where Air Liquide runs the world’s largest oxygen production site. Together, the companies aim to use the programme to cut Air Liquide’s Secunda-related CO₂ emissions by 30–40% by 2031, while supporting Sasol’s goal of securing up to 2 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030.
The inauguration ceremony brought together government officials, financiers, contractors, and community representatives to celebrate the facility’s commissioning.
Owned by Mainstream Renewable Power and the Thembelihle Trust, Damlaagte connects directly to the Eskom grid and is expected to generate approximately 270 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity each year — enough to power tens of thousands of homes.
“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 for Mainstream Renewable Power South Africa. “This project strengthens energy security and demonstrates how industrial partnerships can deliver world-class results.”
Sasol’s Executive Vice President for Business Building, Strategy and Technology, Sarushen Pillay, described the project as a cornerstone of the company’s long-term transformation strategy.
“We’re very excited to have reached this significant milestone with Air Liquide and Mainstream,” Pillay said. “As one of South Africa’s largest renewable energy buyers, Sasol’s programme underpins our commitment to both business growth and energy transition.”
Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, commended the initiative, noting its contribution to the country’s clean energy goals.
“This is Sasol and Air Liquide’s fourth renewable installation, and it’s a major step forward for industrial decarbonisation,” she said. “More than 1,700 job opportunities were created, showing how renewable energy can drive both sustainability and development.”
Construction of Damlaagte began in November 2023 and was completed by August 2025. Nearly 2,000 people were employed during construction, most from nearby communities including Tumahole, Schonkenville, and Vredefort.
The project also invested in local procurement and enterprise development, partnering with Power China Maanda JV, LeadEPC, and Tractionel Holdings. A dedicated skills programme trained over 150 community members, equipping them for future employment in South Africa’s growing renewable energy sector.
Ongoing operation and maintenance will be handled by Plus MAMSA (Mainstream Asset Management South Africa) alongside Power China Maanda JV.
With Damlaagte now operational, Sasol’s renewable energy portfolio includes:
- 3 MW – Sasolburg Solar Project
- 69 MW – Msenge Emoyeni Wind Farm
- 10 MW – Springbok Solar Project
- 98 MW – Damlaagte Solar Facility (Sasol holds 40% of the offtake)
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
