ACWA Power

About ACWA Power

ACWA Power is a developer, investor and operator of power generation and water desalination plants. The company is headquartered in Saudi Arabia and runs a large portfolio of assets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. In South Africa, it has built its presence through projects won under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.

Its flagship local project is the Redstone Concentrated Solar Power plant near Postmasburg in the Northern Cape. Redstone uses molten-salt thermal storage, which lets the plant keep generating electricity after the sun has set. The plant sits in a region where jobs are scarce, so its arrival matters to nearby towns. Projects of this size bring construction and operating work, although local residents often need technical qualifications to fill the skilled posts.

How ACWA Power supports students

Developers in the renewable energy programme must commit part of their project revenue to local socio-economic development. The ACWA Power Redstone bursary is one way the company meets that duty. Instead of offering a general national scholarship, it funds young people from the host communities of Kgatelopele and Tsantsabane.

The bursary is for undergraduate study, and it is open to any field of study. That is unusual, because many corporate funders limit support to engineering or commerce. It is described as fully funded. It covers tuition and registration fees, books, meals, accommodation and a stipend.

For the 2026 intake, applicants had to meet several conditions. They had to be South African citizens aged between 18 and 35, living in Kgatelopele or Tsantsabane, and in matric or already matriculated. They also needed a place at a public university or university of technology, and they had to show financial need. Supporting documents included an ID, matric results, academic records, proof of admission, proof of residence and household income, a CV and a motivation letter. Applications went in by email, and the closing date for 2026 was 19 January.

What to know before applying

Dates and rules can change each year, so confirm the current details on the ACWA Power website before you apply. Late applications are normally not reviewed, which means you should gather your certified documents early.

The company's published material does not mention a work-back obligation after graduation. Its stated focus is to open opportunities for local youth and to grow a pool of talent for the renewable energy sector. If you receive an offer, however, read the bursary agreement closely to see exactly what it requires. Meanwhile, if you live outside the two host municipalities, look at other bursaries in energy and engineering.