The Energy Exchange of Southern Africa (EXSA) has partnered with Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS) on the SlimSun Too Solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) project, a landmark initiative aimed at delivering clean and affordable energy to South Africa’s national grid. This project is one of the many renewable projects that EXSA has partnered with such as the Mpumalaga Wind Farm located in the province of the same name.
The project will have a nominal DC capacity of 11,200 kWp and will use a single-axis tracking system to feed renewable power into the Eskom Eenboom substation.
A Step Forward in Clean Energy Generation
The 5,600 kWp solar farm, located in Malmesbury in the Western Cape and spanning 10 hectares (25 acres), will generate approximately 12 million kWh of clean electricity annually. This will contribute significantly to South Africa’s renewable energy supply while reducing carbon emissions.
SPS serves as both the Independent Power Producer (IPP) and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor. The project, valued at R87 million, is financially supported by Investec. EXSA and SPS have entered a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of clean energy to the grid.
Major Project Milestones Achieved
Phase 1 Nears Completion
Phase 1 of the SlimSun Too Solar IPP is in its final commissioning stage following Eskom grid connection approval. RETEC testing is underway, and the plant will soon begin supplying renewable energy directly through EXSA. This marks a major milestone in improving access to affordable, sustainable power for South African businesses.
Expansion Underway: Capacity to Double to 10 MW
An additional phase has been contracted between EXSA and SPS to double the project’s capacity to 10 MW. Financial close for this phase has already been achieved, and construction is set to commence in the coming months. The expansion will further support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition by increasing clean power generation capacity.
Project Factsheet
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Project Name: SlimSun Too Solar IPP
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Location: Malmesbury, Western Cape, South Africa
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Partners: Energy Exchange of Southern Africa (EXSA) and Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS)
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Financial Backer: Investec
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Ownership & Backing: EXSA (Remgro Limited & Rand Merchant Bank)
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Capacity (Phase 1): 5,600 kWp (nominal DC 11,200 kWp)
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Future Capacity (Phase 2): 10 MW total
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Project Cost: R87 million
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Land Area: 10 hectares / 25 acres
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Expected Output: 12 million kWh annually
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Grid Connection: Eskom Eenboom Substation
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PPA Duration: 10 years
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EPC Contractor: Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS)
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Commissioning Status: Final testing and grid connection approved
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Next Phase: Construction of additional capacity to start soon
