Steel Xperts, a black woman-owned and managed South African company specializing in steel fabrication and installation, has successfully completed its significant contribution to the Redstone Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Project in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
This milestone marks a crucial step towards the full operation of one of the continent’s most advanced renewable energy initiatives.
The Redstone CSP project stands as the first Tower Concentrated Solar Thermal Power (CSP) plant in South Africa to utilize molten salt technology.
This innovative approach allows for thermal energy storage, enabling the plant to deliver reliable electricity even after sunset. Launched in 2021, the project is owned by ACWA Power, a global developer of power and water desalination plants.
Steel Xperts was commissioned to fabricate and supply over 9,000 tons of steel components essential for the construction of the heliostats that surround the central tower. These heliostats are large mirrors designed to precisely track the sun’s trajectory and redirect sunlight to a receiver atop the tower, heating the molten salt.
The company deployed its team in a 24/7 production schedule to meet the demanding requirements of the project’s scope.
Mayleen Kyster Nduli, CEO of Steel Xperts, expressed the company’s pride in contributing to such a nationally significant undertaking.
She highlighted the dedication of her highly skilled team, which managed over 100 personnel, ensuring the delivery of a quality product despite the project’s challenging nature.
The 100 MW Redstone Concentrated Solar Thermal Power (CSP) Project is one of the most substantial renewable energy investments in South Africa. As of March 2025, the plant, representing a total investment of approximately R11.6 billion, was in its final testing stages, with commercial inauguration expected soon.
It is projected to generate about 480 GWh of electricity annually for the national grid, sufficient to power over 200,000 South African households.
Beyond its energy output, Redstone CSP is also designed to offset an estimated 440 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year.
Notably, it is also the first renewable energy project in South Africa to offer ancillary services to Eskom, the national power utility, providing additional value to the grid. This project underscores South Africa’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix and transitioning towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future.
