ABOUT US

Who We Are

Ilanga 3

The project was originated by Mr. Pancho Ndebele of Emvelo Holdings (Emvelo) and co-developed by Emvelo, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and Cobra, a Spanish company responsible for the construction of the plant. Respectively, they hold 15%, 20% and 20% shareholding in the project.

The remaining shareholders in the project are the Community Trust, Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and Hosken Consolidated Investment (HCI), respectively owning 15%, 20% and 10%. The plant was constructed by Dankocom, a joint venture between Spanish companies Cobra and Sener, and their local partner, Emvelo.

Commercial funding played a crucial role in enabling the KS1 Project. This funding was provided by Absa, DBSA, IDC, Investec, Nedbank, Standard Bank, PIC, and Vantage Capital. These funders were subsequently joined by Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (South Africa) Limited, Futuregrowth and African Rainbow Energy and Power.

In line with the rules of the REIPPPP, the project is making annual contributions to Social Economic Development projects in the area around the plant. During the final three years of its construction, the plant created over a thousand jobs, employing primarily local people.

Notable Achievements

  • The 100MW Ilanga Concentrated Solar Power 1 was completed on time and within budget.
  • The plant is producing clean energy to serve around 100,000 South African households.
  • The plant will displace over 340,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

  • South Africa’s first 100% black developed Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) power plant.

  • Ilanga CSP1 helped regenerate the economic, social, and industrial fabric of the Northern Cape.

  • 93% of its staff employed to operate and maintain the plant during the first three years are South Africans, 50% of whom are from the local community within the 50km radius of the plant.

  • The company is 80% South African-owned.

  • The completion of Ilanga 1 Project demonstrates that black industrialists and entrepreneurs can conceive and lead the development of large renewable energy infrastructure projects in South Africa and beyond.

  • The 100 MW Ilanga 1 Project was conceived as an integrated infrastructure project with a lasting socio-economic impact in Upington’s Karoshoek Solar Valley area.

VALUES

Values, Mission, Integrity, Safety

Our Vision

Karoshoek Solar One (RF) (Pty) Ltd (KS1) (The “Ilanga” project) vision is to be the preferred leader as the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer delivering affordable and sustainable source of clean energy. The company believes in the sustainability of renewable energy and fully recognizes that solar power is emerging and will contribute significantly to the renewable energy.

Our Mission

To deliver renewable energy solutions that will  lead the change to a sustainable energy in South Africa and in the region.  The company’s  mission is to generate sustainable renewable energy solutions and the upliftment of the lifestyle of surrounding residents.