Crossroads Green Energy’s 1,430 MW Solar PV cluster—set to supply 40% of the energy needs for Hive Hydrogen South Africa’s Coega Green Ammonia Project—has officially received all permits and authorizations, paving the way for construction to begin in Q4 2026. With a total investment of R15 billion, the Crossroads Solar development is now the largest solar PV project in South Africa and the Southern Hemisphere.
The solar project will directly support the Coega Green Ammonia facility in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape—one of the world’s largest green hydrogen and ammonia ventures. The plant will produce over 1 million tons of green ammonia annually, powered by solar and wind, desalinated seawater, and nitrogen extracted from the air.
A Major Milestone for a Global Green Hydrogen Leader
“We’re proud to have reached this milestone during the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town,” said Giles Redpath, CEO of UK-based Hive Energy, the project’s lead developer. “This is our largest solar project globally across 22 countries, and it underscores South Africa’s commitment to renewable energy and green fuel innovation.”
Thulani Gcabashe, Chairman of Hive Hydrogen South Africa, highlighted the strong support from the Strategic Integrated Projects Team, which helped navigate the complex permitting process. “Our R105 billion Coega Green Ammonia project remains firmly on track for commercial operations in Q4 2029,” he said. “Our associated grid-strengthening efforts will unlock an additional 20,000 MW of capacity for other Independent Power Producers across South Africa.”
A Solar Cluster with National Impact
The Crossroads project, developed in the Northern Cape, includes nine solar PV sites near Philipstown, Petrusville, and Vanderkloof—areas with some of the highest solar irradiance globally. The project is co-developed by Akuo Energy (France), Africoast Investments, and Golden Sunshine Trading, alongside Hive Hydrogen.
Following Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval in May 2024 for 1,230 MW—and a subsequent expansion to 1,430 MW—the project has cleared all regulatory hurdles with no objections or land claims.
Responsible, Low-Impact Development
Donald McGillivary and Venance da Silva of Africoast Investments emphasized the solar cluster’s “best practice” design: using only 10% of agricultural land, ensuring minimal environmental disruption, and enabling dual land use. “All land will be fully restored once the plant is decommissioned,” they said.
Kennett Sinclair of Golden Sunshine Trading added, “This will bring meaningful income to farmers, expand employment, and support sustainable agriculture and clean energy for future generations.”
Community and Industry Support
Mayor Andrew Samson of the Renosterberg Local Municipality celebrated the project’s positive impact: “We’re proud to host South Africa’s largest solar PV development. The professionalism and community engagement from Hive and its partners have been outstanding.”
Akuo Energy’s director Xavier Ducret called it a privilege to collaborate with specialists and public agencies in advancing a “game-changing” energy transition project.
