Google has invested ZAR103 million (US$12 million) in the South African-based Jasper Power project, praising the solar power plant for its financial and transformational potential.
Located in the Northern Cape, the Jasper Power project plant of 96 solar photovoltaic megawatt is one of the largest solar installations in Africa.
Jasper’s power generation is capable of supplying 30,000 South African homes with electricity.
“South Africa’s strong resources and supportive policies for renewable energy make it an attractive place to invest—which is why it had the highest growth in clean energy investment in the world last year,” Google stated.
South Africa has a history of energy deficiency, but Google aims to keep regular load shedding from becoming a resurfacing reality for the population.
The Jasper plant was established as part of the country’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) to improve the energy grid for sufficient national supply.
Google believes the Jasper project “will bolster the growth of the renewable energy industry and move the world closer to a clean energy future.”
