We are proud to introduce the
Sonvanger Solar Power Plant
PGE has been selected as the developer by Glencore Operations South Africa, on behalf of the Glencore Merafe Pooling and Sharing Joint Venture, to design, finance, build, own and operate the 100 MW Sonvanger Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project located approximately 4 km southwest of Theunissen in the Free State Province, South Africa (the Project).
The Sonvanger Solar Power Plant will be developed, constructed and operated under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established by PGE, namely Sonvanger Solar Power Plant (RF) (Pty) Ltd (Sonvanger SPP). The renewable energy facility will supply electricity, through wheeling arrangements with Eskom, to the Buyer’s facility in the North-West Province, Mpumalanga and the Limpopo Province.
Project Information
Fact Sheet
Sonvanger Solar Power Plant is located 4km south of the town of Theunissen, within the Masilonyana Local Municipality, Free State, South Africa
The solar power plant will cover a combined hectarage of 190 for all the panels and associated infrastructure.
The anticipated capacity of solar power plant is 100MW
A 20-year Power Purchase Agreement has been signed with a commercial and industrial company in South Africa
22km of new transmission infrastructure traversing over 17 properties from the solar plant to South Africa’s electricity grid.
The estimated annual avoided CO₂ emissions for the 100MW solar project near Theunissen, Free State, South Africa would be approximately 1.82 million tonnes.
Sonvanger Solar Power Plant is a part of the energy efforts of South Africa to have a reduction in emissions and improvement of energy supply.
Project Benefits
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Community Benefits
Radius of 50km selected for community benefits from the project
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Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities to be provided from the construction and operation of the solar power plant
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Permanent Jobs
Creation of permanent jobs for locals in the operation and maintenance of the solar facility
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Job Security
Long term job security provided for locals in the operational phase
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Social Economic Development
Inclusion of social economic development for the communities around the project
Social
The social economic needs of the community were assessed through focus groups, surveys and community meetings 8 communities with the following focus being provided:
Community development: Improvement in community facilities, such as schools and clinics, improving quality of life through social economic development plans.
Energy access: Solar projects can help bring electricity to remote areas that may not have access to the grid, improving living standards.
Social economic inequality: the project will position itself to distribute benefits equally, socioeconomic inequalities which already exist to ensure they are not acerbated.
·Skills development: Skills training and upskilling of the local community with making use of skills development initiatives and capacity building.
The project presents opportunities for job creation, which is particularly important in areas with high unemployment rates. By prioritizing local hiring and providing skills development programs, the project can maximize its positive impact on the community.
Economics
Noting the previous local economy that was largely due to the mining activity and farming around the town of Theunissen, there has been an increase in unemployment in the area. Inclusion of the project in the area has resulted in the following:
Job creation: Solar project will create jobs during construction and operation, contributing to local economic development.
Energy independence: By increasing the country's renewable energy capacity, solar projects can reduce dependence on imported energy sources and improve energy security.
Lower energy costs: Solar power can be a more cost-effective energy source for the mine, especially in the long term, leading to reduced operating costs.
Enhanced mine competitiveness: By reducing energy costs, the mine can become more competitive in the global market.
Diversified energy supply: A solar project can provide a diversified energy supply for the mine, reducing its reliance on a single energy source and improving energy security.
Economic growth is also anticipated, as the increased demand for goods and services during the project could benefit local businesses. Encouraging local procurement and involving local businesses in the supply chain will help ensure that these economic benefits are widely felt.
Environmental
Sonvanger Solar Power Plant has obtained all approvals under South Africa’s National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), together with incorporating the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability (2012) (IFC PS) and the Equator Principles (2020) (EP 4) to ensure that the following can be achieved:
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Solar power is a clean energy source, reducing the country's reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
Preservation of natural resources: Solar power does not consume water or other natural resources, unlike traditional power sources.
Reduced mine-related emissions: By providing clean solar power to the mine, the project can significantly reduce the mine's overall carbon footprint.
Improved air quality: Solar power can help reduce emissions from the mine's operations, improving air quality in the surrounding area.
Preservation of natural resources: Solar power does not consume water or other natural resources, reducing the mine's environmental impact.
Climate Change
The Sonvanger Solar Power Plant is a Category B project, with emissions below the threshold requiring extensive transition risk assessments. However, it must manage its physical climate risks and monitor regulatory changes to mitigate transition-related impacts.
The Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) for the Sonvanger Solar Power Plant identifies both physical and transition risks from climate change.
Physical risks include extreme weather events like hailstorms, lightning, and high winds, which can damage the photovoltaic (PV) modules and infrastructure. Rising temperatures can reduce PV efficiency and accelerate aging. Water scarcity could hinder maintenance, and there are significant risks from wildfires and flooding.
Transition risks arise from the shift to a low-carbon economy. These include potential challenges from policy changes, market shifts, and technological advancements. The plant must comply with evolving climate regulations, which could add costs or require operational changes. Market risks include new, more efficient renewable technologies that could affect the plant’s financial viability. Technological risks involve staying updated with advancements to maintain competitiveness and compliance.
Stakeholder Engagement
To ensure the project is beneficial and sustainable, community engagements should be a priority, with regular consultations and transparent communication with local residents. Furthermore, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the project's environmental and social impacts will be essential to manage any emerging issues effectively and ensure accountability to the community and other stakeholders.
Human Rights
The Sonvanger Solar Power Plant project is committed to engaging with local communities through public meetings, direct notifications, and surveys. Key needs identified include improvements in water and road infrastructure, along with social services. The project prioritizes local hiring and collaboration with community leaders to address these concerns.
A formal grievance management system ensures that any community concerns are addressed promptly, and ongoing monitoring is led by a dedicated Community Liaison Officer. Key issues, such as water access, waste management, and security, are being carefully managed to protect both the environment and public health.
Through these efforts, the project seeks to create positive social and economic impacts in the region.
Downloadable Documents