R360m Solar Project Breaks Ground at Springs Fresh Produce Market
R360m Solar Project Breaks Ground at Springs Fresh Produce Market. Construction has begun on a R360 million solar energy project at Springs Fresh Produce Market in Ekurhuleni, with the development expected to add 25.6 megawatt-peak (MWp) of renewable generation capacity to the municipal electricity network.
The project is a partnership between BluEnergy, its development partner IBS Crafts and the City of Ekurhuleni. It will use the market’s roof and surrounding unused land for solar power generation, with electricity supplied to the municipality under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza led the sod-turning ceremony, marking the start of construction under the city’s Independent Power Producer Programme.
Once operational, the plant is expected to generate approximately 40 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. According to the project details, this would be enough to power about 6,000 average households and avoid an estimated 36,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
The facility will connect to the Springs Bulk Substation, introducing a local renewable electricity source into the municipal network.
The independent power producer will fund the approximately R360 million capital investment, meaning the development will proceed without an upfront municipal capital contribution. Ekurhuleni will purchase the electricity generated by the plant over the agreement’s 20-year term.
Construction is expected to create more than 100 jobs. Permanent operations and maintenance positions will also support the facility during its operating life.
The project forms part of Ekurhuleni’s broader programme to incorporate independent power producers into its electricity supply mix. The municipality aims to diversify its procurement sources and strengthen resilience against potential supply constraints.
The development follows the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s granting of a multi-year energy trading licence to BluEnergy Trading earlier in 2026.
By converting available municipal property into a solar generation site, the project combines private-sector capital investment with municipal electricity procurement.
The Springs development adds to Ekurhuleni’s efforts to expand its energy options while creating employment opportunities linked to the construction and operation of renewable energy infrastructure.
