Thakadu solar project
Project
Lyra Energy, a joint venture involving Scatec, reached financial close for the 255 MW Thakadu solar power plant in South Africa, with a total capital expenditure of approximately ZAR 4 billion (~ $240 million).
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Deal Analysis
The ZAR 4 billion ($240 million) financial close for the 255 MW Thakadu solar project in South Africa secures critical capital for a utility-scale renewable energy asset. This financing, announced on 2026-03-09, moves the project into its construction phase, de-risking the development for Lyra Energy. Standard Bank of South Africa's role as the lender demonstrates strong local financial institution confidence in large-scale solar infrastructure within its home market. Scatec's involvement as a partner in Lyra Energy suggests a strategic alignment to leverage its expertise in developing, building, owning, and operating renewable energy plants in emerging markets. The capital expenditure for this 255 MW facility represents a substantial investment in South Africa's energy transition.
Standard Bank of South Africa, a leading African financial services institution headquartered in Johannesburg, reinforces its regional infrastructure financing capabilities across 20 African countries by backing the Thakadu solar project. Lyra Energy, an energy company focused on developing and operating infrastructure projects, adds a substantial 255 MW solar asset to its portfolio, progressing from concept to construction in South Africa. Scatec ASA, a renewable energy solutions provider, extends its reach in emerging markets through its partnership in Lyra Energy, furthering its mission to accelerate access to reliable clean energy. This ZAR 4 billion financing for a 255 MW solar facility in South Africa confirms continued investment appetite for utility-scale renewable energy assets in the region.
- ZAR 4 billion (~$240 million) capital expenditure for the Thakadu solar project.
- 255 MW solar capacity in South Africa.
- Standard Bank of South Africa acts as the lender for the project.
- Lyra Energy, a joint venture involving Scatec, is the developer.
- Project announced on 2026-03-09, moving to construction.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
The project financing structure combines non-recourse project debt and equity from the owners, targeting 80% leverage. The construction of the project is started with the first phase while the second phase is expected to begin in the second half of 2026.
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Deal Size
The total capital expenditure for the project is approximately ZAR 4 billion (~ $240 million).
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Capacity
255 MW Thakadu solar power plant
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Location
255 MW Thakadu solar power plant in South Africa.
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Financials
The total capital expenditure for the project is approximately ZAR 4 billion (~ $240 million). The project financing structure combines non-recourse project debt and equity from the owners, targeting 80% leverage.
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COD
The first phase of the project is expected to reach commercial operation in the first half of 2027.
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Expected Close
the second phase is expected to begin in the second half of 2026.
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
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Lyra Energy
developer
"Lyra Energy, a joint venture involving Scatec, has reached financial close for the 255 MW Thakadu solar power plant in South Africa."
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Scatec
investor
"Lyra Energy, a joint venture involving Scatec, has reached financial close for the 255 MW Thakadu solar power plant in South Africa."
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Scatec
EPC
"Scatec will deliver Engineering, Procurement and Construction services"
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Scatec
asset manager
"Scatec will deliver Engineering, Procurement and Construction services and provide Asset Management and Operations & Maintenance support."
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Scatec
O&M provider
"Scatec will deliver Engineering, Procurement and Construction services and provide Asset Management and Operations & Maintenance support."
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Standard Bank of South Africa
lender
"Standard Bank of South Africa is the senior lender for the project."
high quality
Enriched Mar 9, 2026
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