A consortium led by global solar independent power producer Sonnedix Solar was awarded on October 29 Preferred Bidder status by the Department of Energy in South Africa. The award was to construct and operate a large-scale solar photovoltaic power project in the Northern Cape of South Africa with a total generation capacity of 86 megawatts. The award was made under the third round of the South African Government Renewable Energy Procurement Program.

” The project, which is located near the city of Prieska, Northern Cape, represents an investment of more than ZAR 1.2 billion (90 million Euro) and is expected to begin construction by the end of next year. It should start generating much needed electricity to the South African grid by the end of 2015. Sonnedix Solar owns majority of the project with the balance owned by local South African partners” according to Olivier Renon, Sonnedix South Africa Country Manager.

Commenting on the award, Franck Constant, President of Sonnedix Solar said: ” We are very pleased with our success today, coming as it did amid competition from other world-class players. The award is an important milestone in Sonnedix growth. We have been working closely with our local partners Mulilo Renewable Energy, Ixowave Women in Power and our advisors for the past two years. This outcome rewards an excellent partnership and shared sense of common purpose among the members of the consortium. Sonnedix develops, owns and operates solar plants on four continents. We have been impressed and gratified with the quality of the organization and spirit of cooperation displayed by the South African Authorities in the tender process and with the balancing of stakeholders long term interests.” said Mr. Constant.

This program has been and will become more successful with its full implementation. The Round 3 of the Renewable Energy IPP RFP has resulted among the lowest solar power rates reached in Africa for the benefit of the end-consumer. Constant added. ” The 435 megawatts awarded in this round will make a significant difference in solving South Africa peak energy needs while also reducing carbon emissions. Sonnedix Consortium solar plant of 86MW will produce sufficient clean energy to power close to 30,000 households. As another example, it will produce enough energy to allow average electrical cars to drive one billion kilometers every year.”

About Sonnedix Solar: Sonnedix Solar is an Independent Solar Power Producer (IPP) with over 100MW of photovoltaic parks in operation globally and a proven track record in delivering high performance cost competitive solar photovoltaic plants to the market.