Norwegian support advances renewable energy initiatives
On 21 November, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre visited a Norwegian-owned solar power plant in South Africa, highlighting the role of international solar collaboration in advancing the green transition. Norwegian companies are now making significant solar investment cooperation efforts in South Africa, providing renewable energy to over 200,000 households.
“Some 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity, yet the continent is blessed with abundant sunlight, a key renewable energy resource. I saw firsthand how Norwegian companies are helping produce renewable energy, reducing emissions while creating growth,” said Prime Minister Støre.
South Africa currently relies heavily on coal, which accounts for approximately 85% of the country’s electricity production.
Major solar projects in Free State
The Prime Minister visited the Damlaagte and Ilikwa solar power plants in the Free State province, developed by Mainstream Renewable Power, in which Norway’s Aker Horizons ASA is a major shareholder. Together, these plants supply electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of roughly 120,000 households.
The Damlaagte project employed over 1,700 workers during construction and maintains a permanent staff of 19. Mainstream Renewable Power has developed 850 MW of renewable energy assets in South Africa and plans to expand by an additional 12 GW, enough to power 2.8 million households.
“Norway’s expertise is making a difference globally. These solar plants demonstrate how Norwegian solar investment cooperation accelerates the green transition while creating new jobs,” Prime Minister Støre added.
Public and private partnership drives growth
The Prime Minister highlighted how collaboration between private companies and the public sector enabled this project. Norad provided NOK 20 million in grants for feasibility studies, reducing risks for investors. Norfund, Norway’s development investment fund, has invested approximately NOK 5 billion in South Africa, mostly in renewable energy, supporting capacity growth, job creation, and emissions reduction.
Norwegian companies such as Scatec, Aker ASA (via Mainstream Renewable Power), Magnora, and Valinor/Norsk Renewables have won multiple tenders since 2010 for large solar and hybrid projects, including wind and battery storage systems.
Solar growth exceeds expectations
Global solar energy is expanding rapidly. In 2024, 15 times more solar capacity was installed than the International Energy Agency (IEA) projected in its 2015 World Energy Outlook. Currently, around 40% of global electricity comes from non-fossil sources, demonstrating the success of renewable energy initiatives like these Norwegian-led projects in South Africa.
This work addresses energy access for 600 million Africans and supports South Africa’s long-term plan to phase out coal while promoting sustainable development.
For travel-related insights on renewable destinations, visit:https://travel.afrikeye.com/
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Government of Norway.
This story was first reported by the Government of Norway. Read the full article here.
