Stellenbosch University (SU) has officially launched a new solar energy Chair (Professorship) in its Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, and announced the name of the inaugural holder of the new post. This is the ACWA Power Chair in Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), and the first holder of the post is Professor Craig McGregor.

ACWA Power is a Saudi Arabian group which develops, invests in and operates power generation and desalination plants. It already has significant CSP plants in South Africa, including the operating Bokpoort and Redstone plants (the latter having been commissioned recently), both in the Northern Cape province.

“I am excited to work with ACWA Power to build on the operational experience from South Africa’s Bokpoort and Redstone CSP plants, advancing our research toward reliable 24/7 renewable solar power,” affirmed McGregor, who is also the leader of SU’s Solar Thermal Energy Research Group (STERG). He has headed STERG since 2019 and has contributed to the university’s success in becoming a contributor to solar thermal innovation at the global level.

“Professor McGregor has been instrumental in aligning our research with the needs of South Africa’s energy sector,” highlighted Faculty of Engineering Dean Professor Wikus van Niekerk. “Through this Chair, we hope to sustain and expand our contributions to the success of local CSP projects, including ACWA’s Bokpoort and Redstone plants, and invest in the future of the Northern Cape. It is, therefore, essential for the CSP industry that the university maintains the current momentum and retains the expertise we have established.”

The ACWA Power Chair will receive the funding needed to undertake high-impact research, as well as to support postgraduate students (with Northern Cape students prioritised for postgraduate bursaries) and build capacity, again in the Northern Cape. Priority areas will be the modelling and optimisation of CSP plants, dry-air cooling, high-temperature thermal storage, and medium-scale systems for industrial use.   

In addition, the Chair will serve the Northern Cape government in an advisory role, regarding energy policy and economic development. Further, there will be a full undergraduate bursary every year for an engineering student from the province.

“In fostering a skilled workforce and driving innovation, the ACWA Chair will become a pivotal force for the Northern Cape province’s economic growth, employment and technological leadership,” pointed out Van Niekerk. “CSP remains uniquely suited to South Africa’s solar profile and energy challenges. This Chair ensures that the right research, people and partnerships are in place to realise its full potential and support South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable energy future.”