Press Release

Sturdee Energy Announces Financial Close for 91.2 MW Bela Bela Solar Park in Partnership with a Leading South African Gold Miner

Sturdee Energy, a Southern African Independent Power Producer (IPP), has achieved financial close on the 91.2 MW Bela Bela Solar Park in Limpopo Province. This is a landmark project for Sturdee Energy, that will deliver clean, reliable power to a major South African gold mining company. The project brings Sturdee Energy’s projects in construction and operations to over 200MW diversified across 3 countries.
Emiliano Bellini

With financial close under the funding agreement the Sturdee team has the green light to begin construction on the Bela Bela Solar Park. We’re now mobilising our teams, partners, and resources to deliver on the R 2 billion project.

Powering Progress in Mining and Beyond

The Bela Bela Solar Park will wheel renewable energy through Eskom’s grid to supply a large South African gold miner’s different mining and smelting operations spread throughout the country. The project will reduce their exposure to carbon-intensive energy and significantly contribute to their economic and sustainability goals.

The 5 year power purchase agreement (PPA) exemplifies how gold miners can work with Sturdee to secure wheeled renewable energy on terms that are tailored to their short and medium term business objectives.

Built on Smarts, Scale, and Precision

Designed for high yield and long-term efficiency, the Bela Bela Solar Park will feature the latest module technology with JA Solar modules mounted on GameChange single-axis trackers, Sungrow Inverters maximising solar generation.

Engineering, procurement and construction will be performed by Cox Energy South Africa, a local subsidiary of Coxabengoa, the Spanish-listed energy and water infrastructure group renowned for large-scale renewables worldwide.

Following a productive, collaborative and committed working relationship with various departments and special persons at Eskom, the project has entered into its Eskom documents and has already completed its detailed design works. This project will connect into the Warmbad substation.

Strong Backing and Sustainable Finance

The R1.2 billion debt package was secured under a non-recourse project finance structure from Rand Merchant Bank, featuring an innovative and flexible power purchase agreement that highlights the strength of Sturdee’s partnerships and long-term vision.

This transaction reflects the continued confidence and support of Sturdee’s shareholders, whose shared commitment to sustainable growth has been key to driving the company’s regional expansion.

Clean Energy with Lasting Impact

Once operational, the Bela Bela Solar Park will generate approximately 209 GWh of clean electricity annually, avoiding an estimated 170,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in its first year and nearly 4 million tonnes over its 30-year operational life.

Beyond reducing emissions, the project will put people to work, attract regional investment, and add much-needed clean power to South Africa’s grid.

A Bold Step for Sturdee’s Next Chapter

This major milestone builds on Sturdee’s existing project portfolio and increases it to 200MW across the SADC region. The project will be a great foundation for pipeline solar and BESS, and wind projects.

Commenting on the achievement, Executive Directors James White and Andrew Johnson brought their own reflections to the moment.

James mentioned, “The Bela Bela Project provides another showcase of how Sturdee Energy can make complex things simple and, in the end, get the job done.”

Andrew highlighted that, “the Bela Bela Project is special in many ways for Sturdee given its scale and members of the team for being an opportunity to deliver on their renewable energy career aspirations.”

Both Directors also highlighted the assistance and commitment from all stakeholders from our advisers, contractors and the numerous persons involved in creating a greener future and associated opportunities in the town.

Project Highlights

  • Developer, Sponsor & Equity Shareholder: Sturdee Energy

  • Off-taker: Leading South African gold miner

  • Location: Bela Bela, Limpopo Province

  • Installed Capacity: 91.2 MW

  • Technology: GameChanger single-axis trackers, JA Solar modules, Sungrow inverters

  • EPC & O&M: Cox Energy South Africa (Coxabengoa Group)

  • Grid Connection: Eskom

  • Annual Generation: 157 GWh

  • Estimated Emission Reduction: 143,000 tCO₂e annually / 4 million tCO₂e lifetime

Looking Ahead

With financial close achieved, Sturdee Energy will move into construction with first power targeted for mid 2027.

The Bela Bela Solar Park marks another step in Sturdee’s momentum as an Independent Electron Provider rooted in the SADC region. It reinforces the company’s role as a home-grown South African IPP shaping a renewable backbone for the continent, where clean energy is developed, delivered, and traded by Sturdee to power industry and growth across the region.