Construction has begun on the 49 MWp Lion Thorn Solar Park near Leeudoringstad in the North West, with the project expected to strengthen energy security and expand access to renewable electricity for South African businesses.
Yellow Door Energy, the project’s independent power producer, held a groundbreaking ceremony on 30 September 2026, marking the move from financial close into construction. The solar park is expected to begin commercial operations in 2028.
PowerChina has been appointed as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.
Once operational, Lion Thorn will supply renewable electricity to businesses through solar wheeling. It has secured power purchase agreements with PPC and POWERX, a NERSA-licensed electricity trader.
The project is expected to generate approximately 115 GWh of renewable electricity in its first year and avoid an estimated 104,190 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Yellow Door Energy South Africa Managing Director John Taylor said the project would also create opportunities for local contractors, suppliers and skilled workers during construction and operations.
The project is being developed with support from several partners, including Nedbank as financier, PPC and POWERX as offtakers, and PowerChina as the EPC contractor.
The development is expected to contribute to local economic activity in the Maquassi Hills through jobs, skills development and opportunities for local suppliers.
Yellow Door Energy Group CEO Jeremy Crane said the project demonstrated how private investment, international expertise and local knowledge could support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition while helping businesses access reliable and competitively priced clean electricity.
Main Image: Supplied
