Renewable energy isn't just about electrons — it's about people. The full 140-megawatt Nkangala development is projected to create approximately 630 total jobs during construction and operation stages.

These aren't just temporary construction positions. The project will require skilled technicians for ongoing operations, administrative staff, security personnel, and maintenance crews. Beyond direct employment, there are indirect jobs in supply chains, transportation, hospitality, and local services that support a major construction project.

The Just Energy Transition is not only about changing power sources — it's about creating new economic futures for people, land, and local communities. In neighboring areas, similar transition projects have launched initiatives like the Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre, training greenhouse facilitators and developing agripreneurs.

Sonani's project sits in Mpumalanga Province, the heart of South Africa's coal belt. Transitioning this region to renewable energy while creating sustainable livelihoods is the central challenge of the Just Transition — and Nkangala is a working example of how it can be done.

Before a single solar panel can be installed, the land question must be settled. Sonani purchased Portion 7 and Portion 17 of Elandspruit 291 JS in 2023 for 6 million Rand. They hold the title deeds — full legal ownership of the 275-hectare site.

The zoning currently designates the land as agricultural. Municipal bylaws may restrict renewable development to only 60 percent of the property, meaning approximately 165 hectares will be used for the power facility. The remaining land isn't wasted — Sonani plans to continue productive use including cactus fruit farming on 1.64 hectares and other farming projects across 11 hectares.

Sonani formally commenced the processes for Environmental Authorization and Zoning Certificate in October 2024, with a scope of works spread over 18 months. An Environmental Authorization is a legal permit from the Department of Environmental Affairs ensuring regulatory adherence, impact mitigation, and sustainable development. The Zoning Certificate from Steve Tshwete Local Municipality confirms permissible land uses and ensures alignment with municipal development goals. These approvals are mandatory before construction can begin.

A Power Purchase Agreement, or PPA, is the contract that makes a renewable project financially viable. It's a legal agreement between a power generator and a purchaser for the sale of electricity, typically ranging from 5 to 25 years. Rates can be fixed or include annual escalations as negotiated.

Sonani's potential offtakers are strategically located. The project sits in the center of the industry-rich Nkangala District, between Middelburg and eMalahleni. Potential customers include major mining operations from companies like Seriti, Glencore, and AfriCoal, along with industrial giants like Columbus Stainless, Samancor, Thos Begbie, Transalloys, and Ferrometals.

In August 2025, Eskom launched its first-ever Renewable Energy Offtake Programme, inviting bids for PPAs ranging from 5 to 25 years. Eskom itself becomes a potential offtaker for Sonani — a mutually beneficial arrangement where Eskom gains generation capacity while Sonani gains transmission access. The pre-feasibility study from the CSIR recommended a PPA rate of 1.25 Rand for all current and future agreements. The key requirements for offtakers are security of supply, price stability, reliability, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance — all of which Sonani's hybrid facility is designed to deliver.