- Growthpoint Properties has acquired a 30% stake in Serengeti Energy’s 5 MW Boston hydro plant near Clarens in the Free State, strengthening its drive toward renewable energy and energy security.
The run-of-river facility, built on the Ash River within the Lesotho Highlands Water Scheme, began construction in late 2023 and now generates around 30 GWh of renewable electricity annually. The power is wheeled through the Eskom grid and traded by Etana Energy to supply Growthpoint’s commercial buildings nationwide.
Boston Hydro is the largest of six hydro facilities along the Ash River and Serengeti Energy’s fourth operational hydro plant in South Africa. It forms a cornerstone of Growthpoint’s new e-co₂ initiative — a wheeled renewable energy programme supplying certified zero-carbon electricity to ten flagship office buildings in Sandton and their tenants.
Once fully operational, the partnership with Etana Energy will enable Growthpoint to meet about 40% of its total power needs from renewable sources, combining hydro, wind and solar generation.
Growthpoint CEO Estienne de Klerk said the initiative provides tenants with stable, cost-competitive green power and tradable Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), helping businesses cut Scope 2 emissions and align with international sustainability reporting standards.
He added that the company plans to support further generation projects, including wind and solar plants, to expand capacity and contribute to South Africa’s transition toward reliable, clean energy.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
