Bid Window 6: Two new solar projects reach financial close, grid access hurdles trip up the rest

The first two projects of Bid Window 6 of government's renewable energy power procurement programme have reached financial close, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) said.

The two solar projects are the Virginia Solar Park, in the Free State and Doornhoek PV, in the North West. Combined, they will contribute 360 MW of energy to the grid.

The Virginia project is the largest, grid connected solar farm, according to its developers Red Rocket. The Virginia Solar Park will supply 240 MW to the grid or enough to power up to 240 000 homes, the company said in a statement.