The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved generation licences for four large solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, marking another important step in the country’s transition to clean energy. The decision was announced on July 7, 2026, following an Energy Regulator meeting held on June 30, 2026.

The projects have been selected under Bid Window 7.3 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). Together, they will add a contracted capacity of 890 MW to South Africa’s electricity system, while their combined installed capacity will reach 1,049.4 MW.

Three of the approved projects are being developed by Red Rocket South Africa. These include the Sculptor Energy project in Mpumalanga with a contracted capacity of 240 MW, Springhaas Solar Facility 1 in the Free State with a contracted capacity of 240 MW, and Springhaas Solar Facility 6 in the Free State with a contracted capacity of 170 MW. The fourth project, Corona Energy in the Free State, is being developed by Engie and will contribute a contracted capacity of 240 MW.

NERSA received the licence applications for all four projects on January 23, 2026. As part of the regulatory approval process, the applications were published for public comment, and a virtual public hearing was scheduled for May 7, 2026. However, no objections were submitted and no members of the public registered to participate. As a result, the hearing was cancelled.

Before granting approval, NERSA conducted a detailed assessment of each project. The regulator reviewed technical, financial, economic, legal, and regulatory aspects to ensure that all the applications met the required standards. After completing the evaluation, NERSA concluded that the projects fully complied with the applicable regulatory requirements and approved the generation licences.

The regulator noted that the projects are expected to provide benefits beyond increasing electricity generation. In addition to supporting South Africa’s growing demand for clean energy, the developments are expected to create employment opportunities during construction and operation, encourage local industrial development, promote social upliftment, and increase local economic participation.

NERSA also stated that detailed reasons supporting its decision, along with the official licence documentation, will be published on its official website. The approval of these four solar projects represents another significant addition to South Africa’s renewable energy pipeline and supports the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen energy security while expanding the use of sustainable power generation.