Today marks the official inauguration of the Damlaagte PV Facility (“Damlaagte”), a 97.5-megawatt solar power plant that supplies renewable electricity to Sasol Secunda Operations, where Air Liquide is operating the largest oxygen production site. The project represents the first renewable energy facility to come online under Sasol and Air Liquide’s landmark 900 MW joint renewable energy procurement programme. This strategic initiative is a key enabler for both companies’ ambitious decarbonisation roadmaps, supporting Air Liquide’s ambition to reduce CO₂ emissions from its Secunda operations by 30% to 40% by 2031. Furthermore, it plays a key role in enabling Sasol’s 2030 target of securing up to 2 GW of renewable energy.
The ceremony, held at the solar plant outside Parys in the Free State, brought together stakeholders, funders, off-takers, contractors, and partners to celebrate this milestone.
Owned by Mainstream Renewable Power, uBuzwe Energy (Pty) Ltd, and the Thembelihle Trust, the Damlaagte PV facility connects directly to the Eskom grid and is expected to generate approximately 270 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually.
“We feel privileged to provide Sasol and Air Liquide with a renewable energy solution that directly supports their decarbonisation goals,” said Titania Stefanus-Zincke, Chief Operating Officer, South Africa, Mainstream Renewable Power. “This portfolio allows us to support industrial decarbonisation and strengthen energy security. We extend our sincere thanks to our contractors and partners for delivering a world-class solar PV utility project that sets a new benchmark for collaboration and quality.”
Damlaagte directly contributes to Sasol’s broader renewable energy procurement programme, with its successful commercial operation marking an important step toward achieving lower carbon intensity across Sasol’s operations and advancing the country’s industrial decarbonisation goals.
“We’re very excited to have reached this significant milestone in our journey, together with our partners, Air Liquide and Mainstream Renewable Power, as we strengthen South Africa’s energy security and expand the country’s renewable energy capacity. As one of the country’s largest procurers of renewable energy, Sasol’s renewable energy programme is a cornerstone of our strategy to grow and transform our business,” said Sarushen Pillay, Executive Vice President: Business Building, Strategy and Technology.
Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré added, “I congratulate Sasol and Air Liquide on this momentous milestone. This is a highly significant achievement, particularly since it’s their fourth renewable installation, which will contribute to our energy mix, while also reducing carbon emissions. Sasol can be proud, as they are demonstrating how critical it is for industry to play its role in energy security. It is pleasing to note that in excess of 1700 job opportunities were created through this project. My hope is that this initiative will bring greater success while creating further opportunities.”
Construction of the Damlaagte commenced in November 2023 and successfully achieved commercial operation in August 2025. During this period, the project created employment opportunities for nearly 2,000 people, the majority of whom were recruited from the nearby communities of Tumahole, Schonkenville, and Vredefort. In collaboration with its construction partners — Power China Maanda JV, LeadEPC, and Tractionel Holdings — the project placed strong emphasis on local procurement and enterprise development, ensuring meaningful participation by local businesses.
A dedicated skills development programme further enhanced the project’s socio-economic contribution, providing training to over 150 community members and leaving a lasting legacy of skills and opportunity, enabling participants to take up employment on other renewable energy construction sites in the region.
“We remain committed to driving impactful investment in South Africa’s renewable energy sector,” said Indiran Pillay, Director, uBuzwe Energy. “Our involvement in the Damlaagte strengthens a growing portfolio of 17 renewable assets generating over 1,000 GWh annually and underscores our focus on sustainable growth and inclusive local development.”
The operation and maintenance of the facility will be undertaken by Plus MAMSA (Mainstream Asset Management SA) and its O&M partner, Power China Maanda JV.
With Damlaagte online, Sasol’s operational renewable energy portfolio comprises:
- 3MW Sasolburg (solar)
- 69MW Msenge Emoyeni (wind)
- 10MW Springbok (solar)
- 98MW Damlaagte (solar; Sasol has 40% of the offtake)
