Enel Green Power

About Enel Green Power

Enel Green Power is the renewable energy arm of Enel, an Italian multinational energy company and one of the largest power utilities in the world. It has operated in South Africa since 2011. Through Enel Green Power RSA, jointly controlled with the Qatar Investment Authority, it has developed and runs more than a dozen wind and solar plants. Together they add up to more than 1.2 GW of installed renewable capacity.

The plants sit in rural provinces, including the Northern Cape, the Western Cape and the Free State. Those areas often have limited job options, which is why community investment matters to the company's neighbours.

How Enel Green Power supports students

Enel Green Power funds the Enel Bursary as part of its social investment in communities near its wind and solar projects. A national bursary organisation, StudyTrust, administers it on the company's behalf, in partnership with Dalitso Holdings. This programme is not an open national scheme. It is aimed at underprivileged young people from the company's operating communities.

The programme supports tertiary study at South African universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges. Recent calls did not limit applicants to one field of study. The programme has also covered learners from Grade 8 to matric. The value of each award is set case by case. It may pay for tuition, registration and examination fees, residence or equivalent accommodation, meals and learning materials such as textbooks and stationery.

Selection rests on two main points. The first is academic merit, judged on recent results. The second is financial need, so applicants must show that they lack the money to continue studying.

What to know before applying

You must be a South African citizen and live in one of the communities that Enel Green Power names. Check the current advert for the list of areas, because project sites and eligible communities can change.

Applications go through the StudyTrust online platform rather than through Enel directly. Recent cycles ran from 1 June to 30 September for the following year. However, this window can shift, so confirm it on the StudyTrust and Enel websites. Prepare your ID, school or university results, proof of household income and, where relevant, proof of registration or an offer of admission before you start the form.

A work-back obligation to Enel Green Power is not confirmed in public sources. Read your award terms carefully and ask StudyTrust if you have questions. Finally, apply even if your results are only good rather than outstanding. Financial need carries real weight in this programme.

Renewable energy is a growing field. Students from these communities who choose engineering, finance or technical trades may find local opportunities as the sector expands. Use your application to explain how you plan to contribute to your community after you qualify.