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- R25 billion project to build 900MW of wind energy over three years.
- First phase to supply 75% of Seriti’s coal mines’ power needs.
- Expansion of wind energy sector introducing diverse skill requirements.
Seriti Green has embarked on a monumental R25 billion wind farm project in Mpumalanga, marking the first phase with the 155MW Ummbila Emoyeni facility. This development is set to transform South Africa’s renewable energy landscape.
Major Investment in Renewable Energy:
The ambitious plan involves constructing 900MW of wind energy projects within three years. The initial phase, the Ummbila Emoyeni facility, is currently under construction and is slated for completion by mid-2026, with an investment of just under R5 billion.
Funded by Seriti shareholders Standard Bank and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), this project represents a significant shift for Seriti Resources, one of South Africa’s largest coal miners. The acquisition of Windlab and the subsequent launch of Seriti Green in 2023 have positioned the company as a pioneer in the renewable energy sector.
Strategic Power Supply:
“This is the biggest wind farm of its kind in South Africa and the first in Mpumalanga,” noted Mike Teke, Chairman of Seriti Green and Group CEO of Seriti Resources, alongside Peter Venn, CEO of Seriti Green. The facility is anticipated to supply 75% of the power needs for Seriti’s coal mines, enhancing the group’s efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.
Expansion of Wind Energy Projects:
Seriti’s Ummbila Emoyeni is one among several new wind projects in South Africa. In March, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), in conjunction with Absa and Nedbank, arranged funding for three large-scale wind farms in the Eastern Cape. These projects, sponsored by the Enel Green Power RSA and Perpetua Holdings consortium, will provide 330MW to Sasol and Air Liquide’s operations in Secunda, Mpumalanga, under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement.
Despite the Eastern Cape’s wind potential, inadequate transmission infrastructure has posed challenges. The project includes the construction of a 120-kilometre transmission line to mitigate this issue. Sasol has stated that this 330MW renewable energy project will be one of the largest wind-powered facilities in Southern Africa, starting operations in 2026.
Boost for Job Market and Community Development:
According to the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), wind energy accounted for 4.9% of electricity produced in the first quarter of 2024. The rapid growth of the wind industry demands a diverse range of skills and roles, including engineers, project managers, environmental experts, and data analysts.
“The wind industry requires a blend of technical, policy, legal, and environmental expertise across the full value chain. We are seeing an increasing need for professionals in monitoring and control systems, AI-based maintenance, and data analysis,” stated SAWEA.
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Over the past decade, the wind sector has attracted investments exceeding R90 billion and contributed significantly to local communities through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) programme. These initiatives support education, food security, healthcare services, and community safety, fostering community development.
“As the demand for renewable energy rises, so will the need for a skilled workforce,” added SAWEA.
This wind farm project is not just a step towards sustainable energy but also a beacon of hope for economic growth and community development in South Africa.