JUWI Renewable Energies to power Teraco Data Centres with 120 MW solar PV plant

JUWI Renewable Energies has announced plans to construct a 120 MW Solar PV plant in South Africa’s Free State Province to provide clean, reliable energy to Teraco Data Centres, Africa’s largest data center operator. This project is part of JUWI’s broader strategy to drive private-sector investments in renewable energy and help key industries transition toward sustainable operations.

Teraco Data Centres, which operates multiple locations in South Africa, is a critical infrastructure provider supporting the continent’s burgeoning digital economy. With the demand for data centers rapidly growing, their energy-intensive operations have come under scrutiny for carbon emissions. By partnering with JUWI, Teraco is taking a significant step toward reducing its carbon footprint and aligning with global sustainability goals.

The solar PV plant will utilize wheeling technology, enabling the transmission of energy from the generation site in the Free State to Teraco’s data centers located across South Africa. This innovative approach ensures that the renewable energy generated at the plant is efficiently distributed to meet Teraco’s operational demands. The facility is expected to generate over 250,000 MWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the energy needs of 50,000 households.

“This project highlights the role of innovative solutions in decarbonizing energy-intensive industries like data centers,” said Richard Doyle, Managing Director of JUWI Renewable Energies. “By implementing advanced wheeling mechanisms, we can deliver renewable energy to multiple locations while maintaining energy resilience and reducing costs.”

The plant will not only reduce Teraco’s reliance on fossil fuels but also contribute significantly to South Africa’s clean energy transition. By offsetting approximately 200,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, the project will support the country’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to add 26 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

In addition to environmental benefits, the construction phase will create hundreds of jobs, providing an economic boost to the Free State Province. Once operational, the facility will be one of the largest renewable energy plants dedicated to a single data center operator in Africa.

Teraco Data Centres has positioned itself as a leader in sustainability within the tech industry, demonstrating how renewable energy can power critical infrastructure without compromising performance or reliability. This partnership with JUWI marks a pivotal step in decarbonizing South Africa’s digital economy while showcasing the potential of renewable energy solutions in shaping a sustainable future.

“Achieving South Africa’s renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets demands urgent and decisive action from the country’s most energy-intensive sectors,” said Dr. Rethabile Melamu, CEO of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA). Private sector investments are essential, especially considering our heavy reliance on coal and the carbon-intensive nature of our economy. These projects not only accelerate our transition to clean energy, but also highlight innovative business models and solutions, while strengthening the resilience and global competitiveness of our industry. We are excited that JUWI, one of SAPVIA’s long-standing members, will play a pivotal role in delivering these transformative projects, further establishing solar PV as a key technology in securing South Africa’s energy future.”