Areva Solar is among numerous companies who are eager to establish a solar energy foothold in South Africa once the government has announced its long-term energy plans.

Bartolomei recently said in Johannesburg that South Africa presented a strong concentrated solar market opportunity.

"South Africa is fortunate to have a strong solar resource.The technology is ready," he said.

However, large scale investments in solar energy depend on the outcome of the recent integrated resource plan process. The Energy Department has committed itself to publishing the plan, which will cover 25 years by June.

Bartolomei said such investments in a south africa solar energy plant will create jobs and stimulate local manufacturing.

For example, a 50MW solar plant could create up to 300 much needed jobs with local companies likely to do the civil engineering work for the plants.

Areva Solar was also looking at solar acquisitions in South America and China. Areva's 100% buy out of US-based solar-thermal equipment maker Ausra was announced in February making it a major player.

Bartolomei said the solar energy industry represented the highest-growth segment of the renewable energy market, and had an expected 13% average growth rate a year.

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