GIGAWATT ENHANCES ENERGY PORTFOLIO WITH SUCCESSFUL COMMISSIONING OF 16MW SOLAR PLANT
Since 2015, Gigawatt has successfully operated its 120MW gas-fired power station. While the company holds a 350MW concession at the site, regional gas supply constraints have historically limited further expansion of gas-fired capacity.
Leveraging over 30 hectares of available land, Gigawatt’s shareholders pivoted in 2024 to integrate renewable energy into the facility’s footprint. In partnership with WBHO, construction began on a 16MW solar plant in 2025, which was officially commissioned in January 2026.
A Hybrid Future The solar facility is designed to work in tandem with the existing gas engines. During peak sunlight hours, solar power supplements the plant’s output, allowing for reduced gas consumption and a significantly lower carbon footprint. Furthermore, the solar plant provides critical backup capacity during engine maintenance and on high-temperature days when gas engine efficiency typically fluctuates.
Any surplus power generated can be traded through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). This project serves as a definitive case study in the compatibility of gas and renewable technologies, demonstrating how hybrid sites can provide reliable, sustainable energy.
