From left, Dr Zamani Saul, Premier of the Northern Cape, Oscar Mahuyane, Premier of the Eastern Cape, and Dr Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy, at the inauguration of the R15 billion Envusa Energy Koruson Cluster renewable energy project.
Image: Supplied
South Africa’s energy future took a step forward with the inauguration of Envusa Energy’s flagship R15 billion, 520 MW Koruson 2 (K2) Cluster of renewable energy projects in the Eastern Cape, one of the country’s largest private-sector renewable energy developments to date.
The launch, attended by Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, brought together industry leaders and stakeholders over two days last week, including from De Beers Group, Kumba Iron Ore, and Valterra Platinum, alongside members of the Envusa board and team, Eskom, community leaders, partners from Anglo American and EDF Power Solutions.
Established in 2022 as a joint venture between Anglo American and EDF Power Solutions, Envusa was created to develop a large-scale renewable energy ecosystem to deliver between 3 and 5 GW of clean energy by 2030. The K2 Cluster is the first major milestone.
The K2 Cluster brings together three major projects - the 240 MW Mooi Plaats Solar PV facility, the 140 MW Umsobomvu Wind Farm, and the 140 MW Hartebeesthoek Wind Farm - delivering a combined 520 MW of capacity.
South Africa’s biggest renewable energy projects are currently dominated by large-scale solar and hybrid solar-plus-storage facilities, including Red Rocket’s Virginia Solar Park (275 MWp), Scatec’s Kroonstad Cluster (846 MW) awaiting financial close this year, and the Mulilo Total Hydra project (216 MW plus 500 MWh battery storage), with Mulilo also reaching financial close on the 380 MW Beaufort West solar project last week. Other large wind projects include Seriti Green's Ummbila Emoyeni (115 MW of a total 900 MW project), and Enel Green Power's Oyster Bay cluster in the Eastern Cape (330 MW) for Sasol/Air Liquide.
This month, 380 MW of the K2 Cluster project is being connected to the grid, with the remaining 140 MW scheduled to come online by June 2026.
A statement from Envusa on Monday said the K2 Project delivery had been within budget and construction quality was "excellent". EDF Power Solutions had provided critical technical and backend expertise to help execute the project.
Beyond energy generation, the project represents a shift in how electricity is produced and delivered in South Africa. Through a “wheeling” model, renewable power is transmitted across Eskom’s grid to major industrial users, including Kumba Iron Ore, De Beers, and Valterra Platinum, under long-term agreements.
“This approach not only enhances energy security, but also supports the decarbonisation of key sectors, helping these companies reduce their carbon footprint and remain globally competitive,” Envusa’s directors said.
Speaking at the inauguration, Envusa Energy board chair and Anglo American South Africa board chair Nolitha Fakude said the project stood was an example of how collaboration could unlock meaningful, large-scale progress.
Reflecting on South Africa’s recent energy journey, she said: “The recent progress reflects deliberate action, bold decision-making, and sustained collaboration between government and business, demonstrating that a coordinated approach can shift the country’s trajectory.”
She acknowledged the roles by government and industry in stabilising the energy system, including operational improvements at Eskom, and the Minister of Electricity and Energy's leadership in creating a more enabling policy environment for private sector participation, which had helped restore confidence across the sector.
During peak construction, more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs were created, with a strong focus on local employment and skills development. About 80 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) from surrounding communities were contracted, ith over R73 million contributed into local SMMEs and socio-economic development initiatives.
“We will continue to roll out additional initiatives over a 20-year horizon, ensuring the benefits of these projects are sustained, deepened, and shared over time,” said Fakude.
Local communities also held a direct stake in the project through shared ownership structures, ensuring long-term participation in the value created.
Environmental responsibility saw measures implemented to minimise ecological impact, including iapproaches to protect birdlife.
"The Koruson 2 projects show what can be achieved through effective industry partnerships. Through Envusa Energy, EDF Power Solutions brings global expertise in renewable energy development, design, and delivery to projects, helping to unlock flexible and practical solutions for South Africa’s transition to a low carbon future,” said EDF Power Solutions Southern Africa Vice President Tristan De Drouas.
“With each renewable project we commission, South Africa moves closer to meeting its Nationally Determined Contribution, improving air quality, enhancing energy availability, and building an industrial economy anchored in sustainable development,” said Fakude.
“Renewable energy is no longer an alternative, but an essential pillar of South Africa’s future energy mix, fundamental to long-term energy security and affordability, as envisaged in the recently updated Integrated Resource Plan 2025,” she said.
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