Pray the News
Coega Steels fires up massive commercial solar project
The Herald - 9 March 2026
Abstract
"Coega Steels, Emergent Energy and other stakeholders recently celebrated the completion of a landmark new solar installation — the biggest single project of its sort yet in the Eastern Cape. The project, comprising 11,484 solar panels and 23 inverters, will deliver 7MW to offset Coega Steels’ considerable energy demands. Speaking at an event on site on Friday to unveil the completed project, Emergent Energy Eastern Cape project development manager Gordon Upton said the project had its roots in the sustainability vision of the India-based Agni Steels family, which owns Coega Steels.
Coega Steels was established in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality’s Coega Industrial Development Zone in 2013, and a decade later, in line with this vision, contracted Emergent Energy to install a 785kW peak rooftop solar array at the plant. He said the steel producer then moved to increase its selfsufficiency still further. “Emergent Steel was again selected in May 2025 to deliver a 7MW solar plant, comprising 3.9MW of rooftop solar and 3.1MW of ground-mounted solar — the largest single commercial and industrial solar PV [photovoltaic] contract ever awarded in the Eastern Cape. “That’s what we’re proudly unveiling today [Friday].”
Coega Steels transforms ferrous scrap metal into billets, or semi-finished squares of steel. The company produces about 240,000 tonnes of steel annually. Coega Steels director Anand Susainathan said the completion of the project was a landmark on the company’s journey to economic, social and environmental sustainability. “It is now up to us and Matriarch [Asset Managers] to get it running and to maintain it.”
More Background
Coega Steels is a subsidiary or local operation of Agni Steels, an India-based company (Agni Steels Private Limited, founded in 1989 and headquartered in India). Agni Steels specializes in producing high-quality steel products, particularly Thermo Mechanically Treated (TMT) bars used in construction, along with billets and sponge iron. The family-owned business has a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability in its operations globally. Coega Steels was established in 2013 within the Coega IDZ, a major industrial hub managed by the Coega Development Corporation. It was the first steel mill in the city (commissioned around 2015 with involvement from entities like the Industrial Development Corporation). The plant recycles ferrous scrap metal into steel billets (semi-finished steel squares) and produces approximately 240,000 tonnes of steel annually. This positions it as a key player in metals beneficiation and local manufacturing in the Eastern Cape.
Prayer Guidelines
1. Heavenly Father, we commit the works and plans of Coega Steels to You, trusting that as we do, You will establish them (Proverbs 16:3). Lord, please bless this company with continued growth, prosperity, and success in its operations, as You prosper those who diligently apply themselves to honorable work (Proverbs 10:4; Genesis 39:2-3). We thank You for the landmark solar project, which is a significant step toward wise stewardship of Your creation (Genesis 2:15). This project reduces reliance on harmful energy while honoring the earth, which belongs to You and all that is in it (Psalm 24:1). Grant them wisdom, smooth implementation, protection from setbacks, and abundant fruit from this initiative so that it may glorify You and benefit many. In Jesus' name, Amen.
2. Heavenly Father, we come to You in prayer for the management at the Coega Development Corporation. We ask that You grant them wisdom from above, as Your Word says in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault." Help them to lead with integrity and diligence as they support businesses in the Industrial Development Zone (IDZ). May these businesses thrive and contribute positively to the community. We pray that You guide their decisions and plans, making their paths straight as they trust in You, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:5-6.
May they serve as instruments of Your provision and stability, fostering economic growth that honors You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
3. We lift up the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and its leaders, asking for their guidance in providing essential municipal services and support to businesses within the Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) of Coega. We pray that they fulfill their God-given role as authorities established by You (Romans 13:1), ensuring reliable essential services and infrastructure for local businesses. Please turn their hearts like rivers of water to do what is right and just (Proverbs 21:1), so that peace, order, and prosperity may flourish, allowing for godly work to thrive without hindrance. Grant them wisdom to govern effectively and compassion to serve the community well. In Jesus' name, Amen.
4. Thank the Lord for businesses like Coega Steels that are on a positive growth path. O Lord, we enter Your gates with thanksgiving and Your courts with praise. We give thanks to You and bless Your name, for You are good, and Your steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 100:4-5). We specifically thank You for businesses like Coega Steels that are experiencing growth, providing jobs, and innovating responsibly through initiatives like renewable energy. They reflect Your provision and blessing on diligent work (Deuteronomy 8:18). Thank You for using such enterprises to bring economic hope, promote stewardship of creation, and create opportunities for people to glorify You through their labor (Colossians 3:23-24). May all praise and glory go to You alone for these mercies. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Sample Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for businesses like Coega Steels that are growing, creating jobs, and innovating responsibly through this landmark 7MW solar project. Bless their continued expansion and successful operation as we commit their work to You, trusting that You will establish it. Lord, grant wisdom and integrity to the leaders of the Coega Development Corporation and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, so they may effectively support businesses in the Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) with reliable services and guidance. Help them fulfill their roles as authorities under Your sovereignty. May this stewardship of creation and economic progress glorify You, bring blessings to the Eastern Cape, and reflect Your goodness. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Scripture Chest
Genesis 2:15 - tend
Genesis 39:2-3 - flourish
Deuteronomy 8:18 - provision
Psalm 100:4-5 - endures
Proverbs 3:5-6 - straight paths
Proverbs 10:4 - diligence
Proverbs 16:3 - establish
Proverbs 21:1 - directs
Romans 13:1 - authority
Colossians 3:23-24 - heartily
James 1:5 - wisdom
Compiled by GAP Ministries
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