On Monday night, the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced that a R1.2 bn solar farm would be built around our area.
“In a few weeks, we will appoint six developers who will commence the construction of an 800-megawatt solar farm in Merafong,” the premier expanded.
The Herald followed up on the issue, as the mining house
Sibanye-Stillwater had already announced a similar big project with the government, called the Bokamoso Ba Rona project, toward the end of 2019.
“Sibanye-Stillwater has been involved in this process, where Far West Rand Dolomitic Water Association (FWRDWA) land parcels near the Driefontein operations will be leased to project developers.
“They still have to permit the sites, so it will still be about 18 months before they move into construction. The off-takers of power also need to be identified. Overall,
It is positive,” Sibanye-Stillwater’s head of investor relations and corporate affairs Mr James Wellsted said. He added that the project also involved local government.
As the Merafong City Local Municipality was thus also directly involved in developing other solar energy projects in the area, the Herald also directed enquiries to them on Tuesday.
“Numerous projects are running in the West Rand. The municipality is working on a project to develop six solar farms of around 200 hectares each in Merafong on Bokamoso Ba Rona land not used for farming.
“Merafong is currently in negotiations with bidders.
“The project is ongoing, and if completed, it will be one of the largest in the country.
“Private sector investors are also looking to build large solar farms near Welverdiend. More information will be provided to the relevant stakeholders as soon as the project has been formalised,” the municipal spokesperson responded.