LIMPOPO – Plans to develop the multi-billion-rand Mopani Solar Project to address the ongoing power crisis in Limpopo are underway.

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba announced the initiative during the State of the Province Address (Sopa) at the Limpopo Legislature in Lebowakgomo on Thursday, February 27.

The project, backed by an R9.8 billion investment from Neuromorphogenics Africa (Pty) Ltd in partnership with Mukhufi Agro-Processing and Essential Oil, aims to bolster energy generation in the province.

Ramathuba said she recently met with Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa in Polokwane, where it was decided that funding would be allocated to alternative energy generation projects in the Maruleng, Elias Motsoaledi, and Thabazimbi municipalities.

In November last year, a sod-turning ceremony marked the commencement of a solar plant project in Steelpoort, spearheaded by Kona Maanda in collaboration with Samancor, the China-Africa Fund, and CGN Africa Energy.

While the plant can generate 1 000MW, it currently produces 100MW in compliance with legislative regulations. The project is expected to create between 1 000 and 1 500 jobs.

Mopani District Municipality (MDM) spokesperson Odas Ngobeni confirmed that further details on the Mopani Solar Project would be released soon.

“We have received an investment proposal for the Moshupatsela farm project. A public consultation process was conducted in December and January, and the MDM council will review the final report shortly,” Ngobeni stated.

Ramathuba also outlined plans to mitigate the impact of load reduction in Limpopo, particularly in severely affected areas such as Nkowankowa.

“Limpopo is set to become the first province in South Africa to achieve universal access to energy. This will be accomplished through a strategic combination of grid-connected power and innovative microgrid solutions, ensuring reliable and sustainable electricity for every household, from urban centres to remote villages,” she affirmed.