Seriti Green Adds R10bn to Mpumalanga Wind Expansion

Seriti Green has committed a further R10 billion to expand its renewable energy operations in Mpumalanga, taking the planned investment in the wind energy precinct to R25 billion as the company's first 155-megawatt phase begins commercial operations.

The investment was announced alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa during the commercial launch of the 25-turbine Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm, marking the first operational stage of a planned 900-MW renewable energy precinct in South Africa's coal-producing heartland.

The expansion is significant for Mpumalanga's energy transition as the province seeks to diversify an economy historically dominated by coal mining and coal-fired electricity generation. The project will increase renewable power supply while creating opportunities for local employment, skills development and community investment.

The additional capital will fund two subsequent phases of development and brings the project's cumulative capital footprint in the province to R25 billion.

Seriti plans 600MW wind expansion

Seriti Green has also confirmed plans for a neighbouring 600-MW wind development, known as Phefumula Emoyeni. Together with Ummbila Emoyeni, the two facilities are expected to form a larger renewable energy precinct with 187 wind turbines.

The project was initially announced at the Fifth Annual Investment Conference in April 2023 with a proposed investment of R4.5 billion. Its scope subsequently expanded into a R15 billion development before the latest R10 billion commitment.

President Ramaphosa said Seriti Green's investment plans could eventually grow to R40 billion, while urging the company to demonstrate continued progress on its commitments.

"Seriti are also saying now that they will end up investing up to R40 billion, and that their next commitment before they reach that is another R10 billion," he said.

The expansion forms part of South Africa's broader effort to increase renewable energy generation while maintaining economic activity and employment in regions that have historically depended on coal.

Transmission investment supports power exports

Seriti Green has invested about R1.2 billion in transmission infrastructure to connect the wind project to the electricity network. The investment includes the Vunumoya transmission infrastructure and a Main Transmission Substation completed within 17 months.

The project has also established an offtake structure involving energy companies and traders, including Etana Energy, Energy Exchange and NOA, with Goldwind, Tractionel and Stefanutti Stocks among the construction and technology partners.

Seriti Green Chair Mike Teke said the project demonstrated how renewable energy development could be combined with the country's just energy transition objectives.

The company disclosed that the development will support electricity supply equivalent to the needs of about 500,000 homes while creating economic opportunities in Bethal, Davel and Morgenzon.

More than 2,100 workers contributed to the first phase, while 18,500 job seekers registered on Seriti Green's skills portal, with women accounting for more than half of the registrations.

The initial 155-MW phase also recorded more than three million hours of construction work without a lost-time injury, according to Seriti Green.

The company stated that the next stages of development would further expand renewable generation in Mpumalanga and demonstrate how wind, solar and battery storage can increasingly complement existing energy infrastructure as South Africa works to decarbonise its power system while supporting affected communities and industries.