GameChange Solar bags 500MW solar project in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA – GameChange Solar, a global leader in solar tracking solutions for ground-mounted PV plants, has secured a significant contract to supply its Genius Tracker™ solar trackers for four new solar projects exceeding 500 megawatts (MW) in Southern Africa.

These projects are strategically positioned to bolster the region’s energy supply, aiding in the diversification of the energy mix to ensure a stable electricity supply, particularly for critical mining operations.

Three projects are located in South Africa. One is a Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Program (RMIPPP) project in the Northern Cape, and the other two are private-sector initiatives aimed at powering mining operations in the Northern Cape and Limpopo regions.

These ventures are poised to enhance energy self-sufficiency and contribute to the country’s economic expansion.

In addition, the fourth project in Zimbabwe marks phase 1 of the Zimplats solar plant, with a capacity of 185 MW.

This private-sector endeavor is dedicated to providing essential power for the Zimplats platinum mining operation, slated to commence power generation by the end of May 2024.

These collaborative endeavors involving private entities, government agencies, and energy stakeholders underscore the region’s commitment to sustainable development, highlighting the indispensable role of reliable power supply in propelling progress.

GameChange Solar’s recent announcement of a training and service center for its Genius Tracker products in South Africa reinforces the company’s dedication to advancing renewable energy solutions and supporting Southern Africa’s sustainable development goals.

Derick Botha, Chief Commercial Officer at GameChange Solar, emphasized the transformative potential of utility-scale solar projects in Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, where solar energy solves the ongoing energy crisis and facilitates the transition from polluting fossil fuels to clean energy.

“We take pride in our local team and our Cape Town training and service center, which are poised to support the growth of solar energy in Southern Africa,” stated Botha, underlining GameChange Solar’s commitment to driving positive change in the region’s energy landscape.

Simultaneously, GameChange Solar is making significant strides in its global expansion efforts. In collaboration with China’s Jiangsu Zhenjiang New Energy Equipment Co Ltd (SHA:603507), known as JZNEE, the company is embarking on the construction of a 3-gigawatt (GW) tracker factory in Saudi Arabia, with potential for expansion to 5 GW.

This move aligns with GameChange Solar’s mission to meet the escalating local content requirements in the Middle East region.

The proposed factory in Dammam, the capital of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, will focus on manufacturing solar tracker components for GameChange Solar’s Genius Tracker.

These components include vital elements such as actuators, node controllers, and drive systems. Anticipated to commence operations by June 2024, the facility aims to ensure timely production to support the burgeoning renewable energy sector in the region.

In addition to local manufacturing, GameChange Solar will provide comprehensive after-sales support and equipment servicing.

The company’s Genius Tracker has already been enlisted for prominent projects in the Middle East, including the 560-megawatt Abydos Kom Ombo complex in Egypt.

Vikas Bansal, President International at GameChange Solar, emphasized the significance of the partnership with JZNEE and the company’s expansion into the Middle East.

“Our collaboration underscores our steadfast commitment to expanding our global renewable energy footprint,” Bansal remarked, highlighting GameChange Solar’s dedication to fostering sustainable energy solutions worldwide.

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