ENGIE Announced Preferred Bidder for a 240 MW Solar Project

The Corona PV project, located in Virginia in the Free State, will deliver 240 MW of renewable energy to the national grid. It forms part of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s efforts to procure much-needed generation capacity to alleviate electricity constraints, while supporting the just energy transition.

This power plant will strengthen ENGIE’s established renewable portfolio in the South Affrica, which includes over 1.2 GW of operational wind, solar, and concentrated solar power (CSP) facilities. The new project is expected to create both direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation, support enterprise development initiatives, and stimulate long-term investment in the local economy.

“The Corona project is about more than just adding renewable energy to the grid. It is about creating real value for the people and places around it. As we move into the delivery phase, we are committed to working hand-in-hand with local communities to make sure the benefits are meaningful and lasting”,  says Mohamed Hoosen, CEO and Managing Director, Renewables for Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) at ENGIE.

Construction on the Corona PV power plant is expected to begin in Q4 2026, with commercial operations planned for Q4 2028.

In addition, ENGIE has been pre-qualified among 7 preferred bidders by the South African government to take part in the 2026 Independent Transmission Project (ITP) auction, an initiative designed to accelerate grid investment and strengthen the country’s electricity network.

“These awards reflect ENGIE South Africa’s long-term commitment to South Africa’s energy transition. Generation and transmission must advance together if the country is to unlock new capacity at the pace required. Bid Window 7 strengthens our renewable pipeline, while the ITP award allows us to contribute to the grid backbone that makes that growth possible,” concludes Hoosen.

ENGIE has been active in South Africa for almost two decades, bringing global renewable energy know-how together with a deep understanding of local needs. The company remains focused on building energy solutions that are not only reliable and scalable, but that also contribute to long-term national growth and resilience.