Shanghai-listed solar photovoltaic company Trina SOLAr, renewable energy project developer SOLA and civil engineering and construction company WBHO Construction will build the 135 MW Merak 1 SOLAr project to power a South African mining operation owned by African Rainbow Minerals (ARM).

SOLA and WBHO formed a joint venture to execute the Merak 1 project and Trina Solar will supply 205 161 panels of its advanced Vertex modules for the project.

The project will be operational by the end of 2024, the partner companies note in a statement.

"Trina Solar is committed to advancing clean energy solutions tailored to the country's industrial needs to deliver high-power, high-efficiency and reliable Solar solutions.

"This project marks our inaugural foray into utility-scale projects in South Africa," says Trina Solar Southern Africa regional director Zaheer Khan.

"The Merak 1 project will leverage WBHO Construction's engineering, procurement and construction expertise to contribute to South Africa's sustainable energy future. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions for utility-scale projects," WBHO Construction director Derek Wallace comments.

The Merak 1 project also showcases the potential of strategic partnerships to drive positive change and to address the evolving energy needs of South Africa, the companies say.