Ravenna Solar Projects: Expanding Utility-Scale Energy in South Africa

Following the success of earlier developments, ACES Renewables is advancing the Ravenna solar projects to strengthen South Africa’s energy capacity and support large-scale demand. Located in the City of Ekurhuleni in Gauteng, the Ravenna development represents a 200 MW utility-scale solar programme implemented through a phased approach. As an Independent Power Producer project, Ravenna is designed to supply power directly to municipal offtakers under long-term agreements, contributing to both energy security and economic growth.

The Need for Utility-Scale Solar in South Africa

South Africa continues to face a structural imbalance between electricity supply and demand. This challenge extends across the Southern African region, where industrialisation, urban expansion, and increased cross-border energy integration are driving sustained demand growth. Reliable and dispatchable power remains essential for stabilising the grid and supporting peak demand.

Utility-scale solar projects play a critical role in addressing this gap. Unlike commercial and industrial rooftop systems, which operate at a building level, large-scale solar plants feed directly into the grid. They deliver significant volumes of electricity, support grid stability, and enable long-term energy planning through bankable Power Purchase Agreements.

ACES Renewables approaches this opportunity from a regional perspective, aligned with the Southern African Development Community energy framework and the evolving Southern African Power Pool. The company’s strategy focuses on delivering scalable energy solutions that can meet growing demand while supporting integrated energy trading across borders. Projects like Ravenna are central to this approach, providing dependable generation capacity that supports both local and regional energy systems.

Ravenna 1A and 1B: A Phased Approach to Growth

The Ravenna development has been structured in phases to align with land availability and grid connection capacity. This approach allows ACES Renewables to optimise project delivery while managing infrastructure constraints effectively.

Ravenna 1A and Ravenna 1B form the first phase of the development. Together, they contribute 200 MW of planned capacity, with each phase delivering large-scale generation into the municipal grid. Both projects are currently in the final stages of development and permitting, with Power Purchase Agreements ready for signature. Financial close is targeted for June 2026, with construction expected to begin shortly thereafter. Commissioning is planned for the second half of 2027.

The phased model also allows for future expansion. An additional 40 MW phase is already planned, further increasing the project’s contribution to South Africa’s energy capacity. This scalable approach ensures that the Ravenna development can grow in line with demand, while maintaining alignment with grid infrastructure and regulatory requirements.

From a technical perspective, the project will utilise high-efficiency monocrystalline N-type bifacial solar modules mounted on a single-axis tracking system. This configuration maximises energy yield by allowing panels to follow the sun’s movement throughout the day. An Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor will be appointed during the next phase of development to deliver the project to international standards.

Supporting Grid Stability and Industrial Offtake

Ravenna is designed to integrate directly into the municipal grid, connecting at 11 kV and 66 kV voltage levels. Electricity generated by the plant will be supplied under utility Power Purchase Agreements to the City of Ekurhuleni, providing a stable and predictable energy source for municipal distribution.

This model supports grid stability by introducing consistent, large-scale generation capacity. It also enables municipalities to diversify their energy mix and reduce reliance on traditional generation sources. By supplying power directly to municipal offtakers, Ravenna contributes to a more resilient and flexible energy system.

The project also delivers meaningful economic and social benefits. Approximately 350 jobs are expected to be created during construction and operation, with a strong focus on local labour and suppliers. Community engagement forms part of the development strategy, with planned initiatives designed to address local needs and create lasting value in surrounding areas.

A Strategic Step in ACES Renewables’ Growth Pipeline

The Ravenna solar projects represent a significant milestone in ACES Renewables’ South African portfolio. As a near-term deliverable project, Ravenna demonstrates the company’s ability to move from development to operational capacity while securing long-term contracted revenue.

Beyond its immediate impact, the project supports a broader strategy of scalable, phased energy development aligned with market demand and infrastructure constraints. It strengthens ACES Renewables’ position in municipal energy supply and creates a foundation for participation in more advanced energy trading and multi-plant supply structures.

As South Africa continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, projects like Ravenna will play a central role in enabling reliable, sustainable power at scale. For ACES Renewables, it marks a key step forward in delivering long-term value across its growing energy portfolio.

ACES Renewables is a premier provider of renewable energy solutions across Africa. With over 15 years of experience, we are driving the continent’s energy transition through innovative and sustainable clean energy solutions.

Our expertise spans end-to-end project execution, including engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), energy optimisation, and advanced storage solutions. With a proven track record and strong local partnerships, ACES Renewables delivers scalable projects that address Africa’s growing energy needs while promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.

By consistently demonstrating the success and impact of our projects, ACES Renewables is attracting forward-thinking investors eager to participate in Africa’s energy future, creating jobs, uplifting the local communities, improving health and cleaning the environment.  Our strategic vision and commitment to excellence position us as a trusted partner for those seeking to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous continent.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ravenna Solar Projects

1. What are the Ravenna Solar Projects?

The Ravenna Solar Projects are a 200 MW utility-scale solar development by ACES Renewables in Gauteng, South Africa. The project is being implemented in phases, with Ravenna 1A and 1B forming the first stage of large-scale power generation for municipal supply.

2. Where is the Ravenna solar project located?

The Ravenna project is located in the City of Ekurhuleni in Gauteng, South Africa. The site has been selected for its proximity to grid infrastructure and its ability to support large-scale energy generation.

3. What is the capacity of Ravenna 1A and Ravenna 1B?

Ravenna 1A and Ravenna 1B are designed to deliver a combined capacity of 200 MW, with each phase contributing significant generation capacity to the grid. Additional expansion phases are also planned.

4. Who will use the electricity generated by the Ravenna project?

The electricity generated by the Ravenna Solar Projects will be supplied directly to a municipal offtaker, specifically the City of Ekurhuleni, under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement.

5. How do utility-scale solar projects support the energy grid?

Utility-scale solar projects supply large volumes of electricity directly into the grid, helping to improve energy availability, reduce supply shortages, and support grid stability. They also enable long-term energy planning through structured agreements such as PPAs.

6. What is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in renewable energy projects?

A Power Purchase Agreement is a long-term contract between an energy producer and a buyer. In the case of Ravenna, the municipality agrees to purchase electricity at agreed terms, providing revenue certainty for the project and stable energy supply for the buyer.

7. When will the Ravenna Solar Projects be completed?

The Ravenna projects are expected to reach financial close in 2026, with construction beginning shortly thereafter. Commissioning is planned for 2027, allowing the project to begin supplying power to the grid.

8. What impact will the Ravenna project have on the local economy?

The project is expected to create approximately 350 jobs during construction and operation. It will also support local suppliers and include community-focused initiatives, contributing to economic development in the surrounding area.

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