SolarReserve, a global developer of solar power projects, has announced that Africa’s largest solar energy plant has come on line in South Africa.

The 96 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) Jasper solar power project, which is located in South Africa’s Northern Cape, has been completed nearly two months ahead of schedule and is fully operational.

With over 325 000 PV modules, the project will deliver 180 000 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity annually for South Africa residents – enough to power up to 80 000 households – through a 20-year power purchase agreement with South African power utility company, Eskom.

“In addition to helping South Africa meet its critical electricity needs, the Jasper Project will bring long lasting economic benefits to the region,” said SolarReserve’s CEO Kevin Smith. The Jasper Project generated about 1 million man-hours during construction, peaking at over 800 on-site construction jobs.

“We look forward to continuing this positive momentum and bringing value to South Africa through collaboration on further projects, including our upcoming CSP projects that will provide South Africa with clean, reliable and non-intermittent electricity day and night,” he added.

Selected by the South Africa Department of Energy (DOE) in the second round of bids under the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP), the project also marked Google’s first renewable energy investment in Africa. The Internet search giant reportedly invested US$12 million into the solar park.

The project was developed by a consortium consisting of SolarReserve, the Kensani Group (an experienced empowerment investment player in South Africa), and Intikon Energy (a South African developer of renewable energy projects).