Enel Green Power South Africa (EGP South Africa) has begun construction on three new wind farms in South Africa's Eastern Cape province.
Enel Green Power South Africa: breaking ground for the three Impofu wind farms in the Eastern Cape.
The wind farms – Impofu East, Impofu West, and Impofu North – will provide renewable energy to Air Liquide Large Industries South Africa (Air Liquide) and Sasol South Africa (Sasol) and are scheduled to become operational in 2026.
Together, the projects will include 57 turbines, eight high voltage substations, plus 120 km of 132 kV high voltage overhead power lines. They will generate up to 330 MW of renewable energy which will be wheeled via the national grid, in terms of a wheeling framework agreement with Eskom, to Sasol’s Secunda site in Mpumalanga where Air Liquide operates its large-scale oxygen production facility.
The projects will further complement the existing platform of over 1.2 GW of renewable energy that EGP South Africa already has in operation.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Manuele Battisti, Country Manager at EGP South Africa, said the projects align with the Enel Group’s strategic vision for 2024 to 2026.
“In line with our commitment to the global transition to a low-carbon future, the construction of these wind farms marks significant progress as we see our vision of driving the future of sustainable energy in South Africa come to life. Through strategic partnerships, EGP South Africa is proud to spearhead these transformative wind farm projects.
“As we forge ahead with our vision for a sustainable future together, we remain dedicated to providing innovative, clean energy solutions in South Africa, and creating shared value for our partners, communities and clients, enabling progress with sustainable energy, environmentally, socially and financially,” Battisti said.
The new transmission lines from the wind farms will not only improve South Africa’s grid capacity, but, as with all Enel Green Power projects, will incorporate the company’s commitment to creating shared value (CSV) in the communities in which it operates.
While coordinating with up to 60 different landowners within the vicinity of the projects presents its challenges, the social and economic benefits for local communities will be substantial. These will include a series of community upliftment initiatives and job creation opportunities that will take place during the construction phase and, thereafter, during the operational phase.
For more information visit: www.enelgreenpower.com