- ABO’s two fully permitted solar projects in the Free State, represented by Red Rocket, awarded under REIPPPP Bid Window 7.
Two utility scale solar projects developed by ABO Energy in South Africa have been granted preferred bidder status under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme Bid Window 7. The projects were awarded following a successful bid by Red Rocket South Africa, which holds an option agreement to acquire the project rights from ABO Energy.
The projects, with contracted capacities of 170 MW and 240 MW, are located in the Free State province and are fully permitted. They form part of a broader announcement by the Department of Electricity and Energy confirming the appointment of four additional solar photovoltaic preferred bidders, adding 890 MW of new capacity to the programme.
Rob Invernizzi, General Manager of ABO Energy South Africa, said the outcome validates the company’s long term development strategy in the country. He noted that the successful tender demonstrates the strength of ABO Energy’s local project pipeline and the effectiveness of its partnership with Red Rocket.
Although the two projects were initially bid in August 2024 and were not included in the first round of awards, they have now been selected following further procurement under Bid Window 7. Three of the four newly appointed projects are being developed by a consortium led by Red Rocket, with the remaining project awarded to Engie in the North West province.
Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the additional awards increase the total capacity procured under Bid Window 7 to 3 940 MW across 18 solar projects nationwide. The new capacity represents an estimated R16 billion investment and is expected to be connected to the grid within 24 months.
The Minister confirmed that all preferred bidders have committed to 49 percent South African ownership, with average Black Economic Empowerment participation of 40 percent. These commitments will be formalised through implementation agreements with the Department of Electricity and Energy.
ABO Energy has an established track record in South Africa, having previously sold several project rights that were successfully implemented by investors. In November 2024, two battery storage projects developed by the company reached financial close, while three solar projects in the Lichtenburg Solar Cluster entered operation during 2024 and 2025.
Bid Window 7 attracted strong market interest, with bids totalling more than 10 GW of capacity. Ramokgopa explained that limited wind energy submissions created an opportunity to reallocate capacity to solar, enabling government to advance additional projects following further engagement on pricing and commercial terms.
With projects now advancing across Limpopo, the Free State, North West and Mpumalanga, government reaffirmed its view that renewable energy remains central to South Africa’s economic recovery, industrial development and long term energy security.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
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