RENEWABLE ENERGY
PV milestone for major SA developer
Fortress Real Estate
Fortress Real Estate Investments, one of South Africa’ s largest property firms with a growing presence across Central and Eastern Europe, has achieved a significant sustainability milestone. It has produced 100 million kilowatt-hours( kWh) of renewable energy since launching its first rooftop solar photovoltaic( PV) installation in 2017, the company states in a media release.
This total output, equivalent to 100 gigawatt-hours( GWh), undoubtedly reflects a commitment to sustainability, energy resilience, and operational efficiency.
In context, this amount of clean energy could supply around 9 000 urban homes or 28 000 rural homes for a whole year. Since the programme started, 9 310 solar panels and 401 inverters have been installed. The area covered by these panels is 205 000m ², equivalent to 30 rugby fields, representing almost onethird of Fortress’ s total retail portfolio GLA.
“ This is a major accomplishment,” says PC Potgieter, Head of Sustainability.“ The strategy is about more than solar installations. It’ s about building an environmentally friendly, efficient, and costeffective operational model that supports tenants and enhances shareholder value.”
Growing renewable infrastructure
As of 30 June 2025, Fortress operates 96 solar PV systems, including sites in Poland and Romania, with a total installed capacity of 35.49 MWac( alternating current). By December 2025, the company aims to add a further 10 plants, bringing the total number of installations to 106 with an installed capacity of 37.71 MWac.
Renewable energy penetration is projected to rise from 18 % currently to 24 % by June 2026.“ Solar remains the biggest element in our energy strategy,” adds Potgieter.“ It’ s not only a cost saver but also a strategic buffer against grid instability and rising electricity tariffs.”
In addition to solar, backup generators have been installed at 32 retail centres, with a further 3 centres scheduled for installation by June 2026.
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