Seriti Resources CEO Mike Teke and Seriti Green CEO Peter Venn recently hosted the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, at Seriti Green’s flagship Ummbila Emoyeni renewable energy project.
The Minister’s visit underscores Seriti Green’s alignment with the South African government’s priorities to accelerate the Just Energy Transition (JET) and build a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.
Located between Bethal and Morgenzon in Mpumalanga, the first three phases of the Ummbila Emoyeni project – each comprising a 155MW wind energy facility – are scheduled to begin commercial operation in the first half of 2027. Once operational, the project will supply approximately 75% of the Seriti Group’s electricity needs, supporting its decarbonisation goals.
The site forms part of a broader 900MW hybrid renewable energy cluster, comprising five wind farms and one solar photovoltaic (PV) facility, expected to be fully commissioned by 2027. Once completed, it will be the largest renewable hybrid energy facility in South Africa.
The project’s anticipated total capital investment spend will be R70 billion. Some R385 million will go towards funding small and medium sized businesses and social development projects.
A key focus of the Minister’s visit was the Main Transmission Substation (MTS), currently under construction. This R1 billion investment will enable the efficient delivery of clean energy from the project to the national grid. Upon completion, Ummbila Emoyeni will have the capacity to power approximately 500,000 households.
In his address today to community members, suppliers, employees and government officials, the Minister said energy is a mechanism for boosting the economy.
“Energy leads and the rest follows. It must be affordable and the mix must be right. Ummbila Emoyeni is a perfect illustration of the best of the renewable energy sector and it is significant that it is happening in Mpumalanga,” he said.
The Minister also praised local farmers and the community for their support.
Seriti Green CEO Peter Venn emphasised the role of renewables in job creation: “I’m incredibly proud of this Main Transmission Substation standing here in the fields of Morgenzon and the 1,200 people on site taking part in the construction.
“More than 50% of the skills needed in renewables are in the coal industry. We are not going to be able to replace all the coal mine workers. But the skills can be easily transferred from coal to renewables and that is what this project brings about,” Venn explained.
Also in attendance was Seriti Resources CEO Mike Teke, who explained the role of coal in the JET.
“As we stand here today, Seriti is not selling any of our coal mines. We are going to transition and it’s going to be smooth and just. This project for us is that vote of confidence. We are going to build more like it,” Teke said.
Seriti acknowledges that for the energy transition to be truly just, it must be inclusive and consultative. This requires meaningful engagement with workers, affected communities, government, and the broader business and energy sectors. The aim is to ensure a responsible transition that minimises job losses and fosters new employment opportunities in the green economy.
