- Sturdee Energy has reached financial close on the 91.2 MW Bela Bela Solar Park in Limpopo Province.
- The R2 billion project marks a major milestone for the company, which will supply clean and reliable energy to a prominent South African gold mining company.
- With this development, Sturdee’s portfolio of projects under construction and operation now exceeds 200 MW across three countries in Southern Africa.
The financial close enables Sturdee to commence construction immediately, with teams and partners being mobilised to deliver the large-scale renewable energy facility. Once complete, the Bela Bela Solar Park will supply power through Eskom’s grid to multiple mining and smelting operations nationwide, reducing the miner’s reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources and advancing its sustainability targets.
The project operates under a five-year power purchase agreement, illustrating how mining companies can partner with Sturdee to secure wheeled renewable energy on flexible, business-aligned terms.
Designed for long-term efficiency and high energy yield, the facility will use advanced JA Solar modules mounted on GameChange single-axis trackers and Sungrow inverters to optimise solar generation. Engineering, procurement, and construction will be undertaken by Cox Energy South Africa, a subsidiary of the Spanish-listed Coxabengoa Group, known for its expertise in large-scale renewable infrastructure.
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After completing detailed design work and securing key Eskom documentation, the project is set to connect to the Warmbad substation. Its R1.2 billion debt funding was raised through a non-recourse project finance structure from Rand Merchant Bank, underlining investor confidence in Sturdee’s capability and the strength of its partnerships.
Once operational, the Bela Bela Solar Park is expected to generate about 209 GWh of clean electricity each year, offsetting approximately 170,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually and close to 4 million tonnes over its 30-year lifespan. Beyond environmental benefits, the project is anticipated to create jobs, stimulate local investment, and contribute to the stability of South Africa’s power grid.
Executive Directors James White and Andrew Johnson described the achievement as a defining moment for the company. White noted that the Bela Bela Project showcases Sturdee’s ability to simplify complex processes and deliver tangible results, while Johnson emphasised its importance for both the team’s professional growth and South Africa’s renewable energy transition.
Both directors acknowledged the dedication of advisers, contractors, Eskom representatives, and local stakeholders who played a vital role in bringing the project to fruition.
The Bela Bela Solar Park stands as a cornerstone in Sturdee Energy’s expanding Southern African portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to powering sustainable progress through innovation and collaboration.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
