Pele Green Energy reaches financial close on Sonvanger solar plant

Pele Green Energy (PGE) has achieved financial close for the 100 MW Sonvanger solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in South Africa. 

Located 4 km southwest of Theunissen in the Masilonyana local municipality of Free State province, the plant will supply clean energy to Glencore Merafe Venture’s ferrochrome smelters.

The Sonvanger project is the country’s first utility-scale renewable energy project led by a single sponsor and IPP.

The project will contribute to reducing carbon emissions, diversifying the regional energy mix with renewable sources, and supporting sustainable industrial practices. It also aligns with Glencore’s climate strategy and its mission to responsibly source commodities.

Glencore Ferroalloys CEO Japie Fullard emphasized the project’s alignment with the company’s broader climate strategy. Pele Green Energy CEO Gqi Raoleka highlighted the collaboration as a critical step toward addressing Scope 2 emissions and promoting sustainable mining practices.