Proposed ABO Imvubu Solar Energy Facility 1, near Utrecht, Emadlangeni Local Municipality, Kwazulu-Natal Province

ABO Imvubu Solar Energy Facility 1 (Pty) Ltd proposes the development of ABO Imvubu Solar Energy Facility 1 (SEF), a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facility, of up to 300MW in capacity, and associated infrastructure located approximately 16km south of the town of Utrecht in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, in the eMadlangeni Local Municipality within the Amajuba District Municipality.

The proposed facility will comprise the following (to be located within the proposed development footprint):

• Solar Field/Solar Arrays (max height of 3.5m) up to 44 ha in extent and associated infrastructure (note: the foundations, mounting structures and module types, inverter details, etc. will be confirmed during the detail design phase, and that the total footprint may incorporate that of the temporary laydown areas once they are no longer required, as well the electrical infrastructure hub alternative footprint if preferred location is authorised);
• Primary/main access road as well as internal road reticulation within the development footprint (note: existing roads/disturbed areas will be used as far as possible. For the main access road, as well as internal roads, an up to 10m wide road corridor may be temporarily impacted upon during construction and be rehabilitated to up to 8m wide after construction); and/or
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) (note: to be located within the electrical infrastructure hub described under “associated infrastructure” below).

The proposed associated infrastructure will include the following (to be located within the proposed development footprint):

• Associated internal electrical reticulation (i.e., low- and medium voltage powerlines), underground as far as is feasible;
• On-site electrical infrastructure hub up to 6 ha in extent (note: two alternative locations will be assessed) consisting of:
  • On-site substation and associated infrastructure,
  • Additional step-up/ transformation/ collector/switchyard infrastructure,
  • Auxiliary buildings (including, but not limited to, Operation and Maintenance (O&M) building/s, admin building/s, workshop/s, gatehouse/s, security building/s, control centre/s, office/s, visitor centre/s, warehouse/s, etc.), and/or
  • BESS; and
• Perimeter fencing.

Date Published: 26 November 2025
Review Period:  27^th November 2025 - 19^th January 2026

Contact Person: Mr Andile Nxumalo / Ms Tamera Pillay
E-mail: reppp@cesnet.co.za

Public Participation Information: 
Submission and review of the Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report. Documents can be downloaded from the CES webpage | please scroll down to the Report Download Registration form.