- Exxaro has officially commissioned its 68 MW Lephalale Solar Project, supplying renewable electricity directly to its Grootegeluk Mine.
- The R1.7 billion investment is expected to reduce Scope 2 emissions by about 17% and deliver annual electricity cost savings of more than R100 million.
- The project created 808 construction jobs, with 69% of workers recruited from local communities, while supporting skills development and local suppliers.
Exxaro Resources has officially opened the Lephalale Solar Project, marking the commercial operation of its first utility scale self-generation renewable energy asset and a significant milestone in the company’s decarbonisation strategy.
Developed through Exxaro’s wholly owned renewable energy business, Cennergi, the 68 MW solar photovoltaic facility is located near the Grootegeluk Mine in Limpopo. The behind the meter plant will supply renewable electricity directly to the mine, improving energy security while reducing dependence on grid supplied power during daylight operating hours.
The project reached commercial operation on 20 April 2026 following an investment of R1.7 billion. It forms part of Exxaro’s Sustainable Growth and Impact strategy, which focuses on diversifying the business while reducing its carbon footprint.
The solar plant consists of 129,024 photovoltaic modules installed across 185 hectares and is expected to generate about 176 GWh of renewable electricity each year. The project is supported by a 25 year power purchase agreement with Grootegeluk Mine and has been licensed for future battery energy storage integration, allowing the facility to provide greater operational flexibility as energy market opportunities develop.
Construction began after financial close in June 2023, with the notice to proceed issued in August that year. The plant exported its first renewable electricity to Grootegeluk Mine in December 2025 before reaching its full generating capacity of 68 MW later that month.
Exxaro Chief Executive Officer Ben Magara said the project represents more than the completion of a renewable energy facility.
“The official opening of the Lephalale Solar Project marks another significant milestone in delivering our sustainable growth and impact strategy. It demonstrates our ability to develop, finance, construct and operate large scale renewable energy infrastructure through Cennergi.”
According to Exxaro, the project is expected to reduce the company’s Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 17% while generating annual electricity cost savings of more than R100 million. The company said the facility will also strengthen operational resilience, reduce exposure to rising electricity costs and carbon taxes, and support South Africa’s energy transition.
Limpopo MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Dr Tshitereke Matibe, who attended the official opening on behalf of the Premier, said the project highlights the province’s growing renewable energy potential.
He said the development demonstrates how Limpopo’s natural resource base can continue supporting economic growth while expanding beyond its traditional mining and energy sectors into renewable energy.
The project also delivered significant socio-economic benefits during construction. Exxaro said 808 employment opportunities were created, with 557 positions filled by members of host communities, representing 69% local recruitment. Three people living with disabilities from local communities were also employed.
The company reported that 41.9% of project expenditure was directed towards local content, while 13 local subcontractors participated in the construction programme, strengthening the regional supplier base.
To support long term skills development, Exxaro invested R1.12 million in bursaries and workforce training. Workers received technical training in photovoltaic module installation together with accredited programmes covering fire fighting, first aid, incident investigation, hand tools and manual handling, providing skills that can be applied beyond the project.
Exxaro said the successful delivery of the Lephalale Solar Project strengthens Cennergi’s capabilities across project development, construction management, project finance and asset management, providing a scalable platform for future renewable energy investments.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
