• Located in South Africa’s Northern Cape province, the energy generated annually by the 63.2 MWdc facility is a lifeline for the people of that part of the country.
  • Greefspan II will supply enough energy to cater for the electricity demand of 20,000 households, in addition to avoiding the emission of 130,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.

At GRS, international EPC contractor and Gransolar Group company, we have achieved COD for the 63.2 MWdc Greefspan II photovoltaic plant, located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Our Operation and Maintenance local team has already started working to the relevant requirements and standards.

After successfully completing the commissioning of our third EPC project in South Africa, we have consolidated our position as one of the companies with the highest contribution to the progress of renewable energies in a country that, according to our company’s Country Manager Dylan Tudor-Jones, “requires new sustainable electricity supply capacity in order to support the growth and recovery of the economy from covid 19”.

Greefspan II has 188,822 photovoltaic modules that will produce approximately 150,000 MWh of clean energy each year, providing a constant flow of supply for an estimated 20,000 South African households.

Sustainability required

Another important topic for new electricity production in South Africa is the environmental one. GRS, in its commitment to protecting the environment and the biosphere in the areas where it builds and operates, “has followed and implemented all the mitigation measures set out in the Environmental Management Program approved by the government”, says Mr. Tudor-Jones.

Therefore, it is ensured that the rehabilitation plan for the area will be implemented at the end of the project. In addition, the Greefspan II PV project itself is inherently sustainable: its annual electricity production will prevent the emission of 130,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Job opportunities in local communities

In line with the GRS internal policy of accelerating local development in the countries and regions where we operate, Greefspan II has generated around 700 local jobs, throughout the duration of the construction phase of the project, for people and businesses from local communities in and around Douglas.

In addition, a group of community workers has been recruited and trained to carry out the operation and maintenance tasks, following the highest quality standards, ensuring that the service meets all the requirements and needs of the client.

Greefspan II is GRS’s fourth O&M project in South Africa, all in partnership with Umbono Energy Partners including; the Lesedi, Letsatsi and Jasper power plants. In total, at GRS we currently operate a total amount of more than 285 MW in the Free State and Northern Cape provinces.