Construction Begins on Eskom’s R1.2 Billion 75 MW Lethabo Solar Project
Construction has started on a new 75 MW solar photovoltaic power plant at Eskom’s Lethabo Power Station in the Free State, marking another significant development in the integration of renewable energy into South Africa’s electricity generation portfolio.
The project represents an investment of approximately R1.2 billion and is expected to generate around 147 GWh of electricity annually once operational.
According to Eskom, this is equivalent to the electricity consumption of approximately 60,000 households.
Renewable energy at an existing coal power station
One of the particularly significant aspects of the Lethabo project is its location.
Rather than developing the solar facility entirely separately from existing electricity infrastructure, Eskom is introducing renewable generation at an established coal-fired power station site.
This allows existing infrastructure and Eskom’s technical capabilities to be used as the electricity system gradually incorporates additional renewable generation.
The project forms part of Eskom’s broader strategy to diversify its generation portfolio and support South Africa’s transition towards lower-carbon electricity.
More renewable projects planned
The Lethabo solar facility is one of 17 high-priority projects planned across Eskom’s existing coal-fired power station footprint.
Projects are expected at locations including Arnot, Duvha, Majuba, Tutuka, Lethabo, Komati, Kendal, Kusile, Hendrina, Camden and Grootvlei.
Together, these projects could represent approximately 6 GW of new capacity by the end of the decade.
Eskom has also indicated that at least 2 GW of renewable energy and pumped-storage projects in its construction-ready pipeline are progressing during 2026.
Looking further ahead, Eskom’s renewable energy and storage pipeline exceeds 32 GW through to 2040.
Supporting South Africa’s changing energy mix
Projects such as Lethabo demonstrate how existing electricity infrastructure can potentially support South Africa’s transition towards a more diverse generation mix.
In addition to producing lower-carbon electricity, renewable energy development at existing power station sites could create opportunities for local suppliers, contractors, renewable-energy professionals and communities.
The Lethabo project is therefore more than an individual solar installation. It represents part of the broader transformation taking place across South Africa’s electricity sector as conventional generation infrastructure and new renewable technologies increasingly operate alongside one another. SAnews
Source: SAnews – Construction begins on Eskom’s 75 MW Lethabo solar plant