By: Renewable Watch

National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved generation licences for four solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. The projects have a combined contracted capacity of 890 MW under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme Bid Window 7.3. NERSA received the licence applications in January 2026 and completed the public consultation process before granting approval in May 2026. 

The approved projects include the 278.33 MWDC solar project developed by Red Rocket South Africa in the Mpumalanga province, the 277.13 MWDC solar project developed by Red Rocket South Africa, a 205.94 MWDC solar project developed by Red Rocket South Africa in Free State and the 288 MWDC solar project developed by ENGIE, all in the Free State province. 

Together, the projects have a total installed capacity of 1,049.4 MWDC. The licensed bidders for the projects are Sculptor Energy (Pty) Ltd, Springhaas Solar Facility 1 (Pty) Ltd, Springhaas Solar Facility 6 (Pty) Ltd and Corona Energy (Pty) Ltd. 

In April 2026, Voltalia fully commissioned the Bolobedu solar farm project which is located in Limpopo province, South Africa. The project has a total installed capacity of 148 MW, and is part of a long-term corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) with Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). The farm will supply around 300 GWh on an annual basis.