- Prof Craig McGregor, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University (SU), has been appointed as the first ACWA Power Chair in Concentrating Solar Power at Stellenbosch University.
- McGregor also serves as the leader of the Solar Thermal Energy Research Group (STERG).
The prestigious Chair has been established in partnership with ACWA Power, a leading Saudi Arabian developer, investor and operator of power generation and desalinated water plants with significant CSP operations in South Africa, including the operational Bokpoort plant and the recently commissioned Redstone facility.
The appointment recognises McGregor’s leadership in solar thermal energy research and his strong track record of bridging academic excellence with industry-relevant innovation.
About his appointment, McGregor says: “I am excited to work with ACWA Power to build on the operational experience from South Africa’s Bokpoort and Redstone CSP plants, advancing our research toward reliable 24/7 renewable solar power.”
This appointment marks a significant step forward in strengthening South Africa’s capacity in renewable energy, particularly in the field of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) – a technology that remains vital to addressing the country’s energy needs due to its ability to store thermal energy and provide electricity even after sunset.
McGregor has led STERG since 2019, building on the university’s legacy of solar research excellence and industry partnerships. His work has helped position SU as a global contributor in solar thermal innovation, with collaborations including the DLR (Germany), Fraunhofer ISE, Sandia National Laboratories (USA), CNRS (France) and others.
The ACWA Power Chair will receive the annual funding to support high-impact research, postgraduate student funding and regional capacity-building. Key focus areas include CSP plant modelling and optimisation, high-temperature thermal storage, dry-air cooling and medium-scale systems for industrial use.
To ensure a strong regional impact, postgraduate bursaries will prioritise students from the Northern Cape, a full undergraduate engineering scholarship will be awarded annually to a student from the province, and the Chair will provide advisory support to the Northern Cape Government on energy policy and economic development.
Emphasising the broader regional benefits, Van Niekerk added: “In fostering a skilled workforce and driving innovation, the ACWA Chair will become a pivotal force for the Northern Cape province’s economic growth, employment and technological leadership.
“CSP remains uniquely suited to South Africa’s solar profile and energy challenges,” he continued. “This Chair ensures that the right research, people and partnerships are in place to realise its full potential and support South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable energy future.”
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
