NCP Chlorchem and Terra Firma roll out one of South Africa’s largest private industrial solar programmes
Grant Berndsen
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 2 December 2025:
NCP Chlorchem (www.ncp.co.za), a major producer of chlorine and related chemicals used to treat South Africa’s drinking water, and Terra Firma (www.terrafirma.africa), the country’s leading developer of commercial and industrial solar and battery-storage solutions, today announced a 27 MWp multi-phase solar programme – among the largest standalone behind-the-meter industrial installations in South Africa – at NCP’s main production site.
The facility is classified as a National Key Point, reflecting its strategic role in ensuring the supply of safe, clean water to millions of South Africans. The solar programme will supply a significant share of the site’s electricity demand, with several phases already completed, additional capacity coming online early in 2026, and full completion targeted by the end of 2026.
As South Africa’s essential industries contend with soaring energy costs, an unstable grid and growing pressure to decarbonise, onsite renewables are becoming integral to long-term cost management and operational stability.
NCP’s operations are highly energy-intensive, making long-term energy planning and emissions reduction central to its sustainability strategy. NCP’s solar journey with Terra Firma began in 2023 with a 1.1 MWp pilot implemented under earlier regulatory caps that limited project size. Following its success, the company expanded to a second phase of around 10 MWp combining rooftop, carport and ground-mounted systems, now in the final stages of commissioning. A further 17.5 MWp is under construction, bringing total capacity to 27 MWp.
Schalk Venter MD NCP
“As a producer of essential chemicals used in water and sanitation, sustainability is central to how we operate,” said Schalk Venter, MD, NCP. “Working with Terra Firma has allowed us to lower our carbon emissions and manage long-term energy costs more effectively. It’s a major step in building a more resilient and sustainable future for our operations.”
“As South Africa’s energy transition accelerates, more large energy users in complex industrial sectors are turning to onsite renewable systems to meet their cost and sustainability targets,” said Grant Berndsen, CEO, Terra Firma.
“Supporting a facility as vital as NCP’s, where uninterrupted operations are essential to public health, highlights the importance of getting these projects right. Integrating a 27 MWp solar system into a live chemical production site demands careful planning and collaboration, with the highest possible safety standards and processes. The success of this programme shows how renewables can be delivered effectively within such a high-stakes environment. It sets a benchmark for secure, compliant industrial decarbonisation.”
About NCP Chlorchem
NCP Chlorchem (www.ncp.co.za) is a leading South African producer of chlorine, caustic soda and related products used in the treatment of drinking water and wastewater, and in key industrial and manufacturing processes. As a National Key Point facility, NCP plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and continuity of South Africa’s water and sanitation infrastructure.
About Terra Firma
Terra Firma is South Africa’s leading provider of C&I solar and energy storage solutions. The company delivers end-to-end services including the financing, construction and operation of medium to large-scale Solar PV and BESS projects and offers next-generation energy monitoring through its proprietary software platform. Since 2012, Terra Firma has completed more than 500 projects for Africa’s leading companies. For more information, visit www.terrafirma.africa.
