South Africa’s National Energy Regulator (NERSA) has approved generation licenses for four solar photovoltaic projects that will add 890 MW of contracted capacity and 1049.4 MW of installed capacity to the country’s electricity system. The decision, announced on July 7, 2026 , is the third addition under tender window 7.3 of the Renewable Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) .
Of the four projects authorized, three will be developed by Red Rocket South Africa and one by Engie . Together, the new plants will bolster South Africa's renewable energy capacity expansion, in a context of seeking greater energy security and reducing dependence on conventional generation.
Red Rocket will develop the Sculptor Energy project, located in Mpumalanga province, with a contracted capacity of 240 MW , as well as Springhaas Solar Facility 1 ( 240 MW ) and Springhaas Solar Facility 6 ( 170 MW) , both located in the Free State. The fourth project is Corona Energy , also in the Free State, which will be developed by Engie and will contribute another 240 MW of contracted capacity.
The license applications were submitted to NERSA on January 23, 2026. As part of the regulatory process, the agency opened a public consultation period and scheduled a virtual hearing for May 7. However, as no comments or interested participants were received, the hearing was canceled.
Before issuing the authorization, the regulator conducted a comprehensive evaluation of each project, reviewing technical, financial, economic, legal, and regulatory aspects. After completing this process, it concluded that the four projects met all the required criteria and proceeded to grant the generation licenses.
In addition to the increase in electrical capacity, NERSA highlighted that the new plants will contribute to job creation during the construction and operation phases, boost local industrial development, promote social progress, and expand economic participation in the communities where the projects will be implemented.
The agency also announced that the full rationale for the decision and official licensing documentation will be published soon on its website. With this approval, South Africa continues to advance the expansion of its renewable energy portfolio through the REIPPPP, one of the most significant clean energy procurement programs on the African continent.