South Africa’s renewable energy facility is slowly taking shape as it nears completion, expected by 2026. The government of South Africa has rolled out various renewable energy projects that are coming to a close. The aim of this initiative endeavours is to diversify the renewable energy sector in the region. One of the significant projects is the Ummbila Emoyeni facility in Mpumalanga province. Seriti Green group plans to build 900MW of renewable wind energy projects over three years. Construction on the facility is underway and expected to be completed in mid-2026, costing just under $300 million. Based in the Highveld, the project is set to redefine the Mpumalanga province’s journey towards a just energy transition. Furthermore, the project’s ideal location is between Bethal and Morgenzon in Mpumalanga.
Project Summary
Location: Mpumalanga province
Capacity: 900MW of wind energy
Main Contractor: Sereti Green Group
Project duration: 4 years
Cost of Phase 1: U.S. $280 Million
The State of Affairs Regarding South Africa’s Renewable Energy Facility
South Africa’s renewable energy facility is designated as a Strategic Integrated Project by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. Furthermore, it has already received its Environmental Authorisation from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. These are critical requirements to start construction. The first phase of the Ummbila Emoyen energy facility Ummbila Emoyeni energy facility will supply Seriti’s coal mining operations. Of the 155MW it will generate, it is expected that 75% of its power requirements will be procured via a wheeling agreement with Eskom. The project’s expected timeline is also set in focus as commercial operations will commence in 2025. The remainder of the 900MW project is expected to be fully commissioned by 2027, providing electricity for the equivalent of ~500,000 South African households.
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The Significance of the Ummbila Emoyeni Facility
The multi-million project in South Africa’s renewable energy facility holds an unprecedented significance. One of these is that it ensures energy sustainability in a renewable and eco-friendly manner. Once completed, the Ummbila Emoyeni will be the region’s first-of-its-kind hybrid renewable energy facility. It will also be the largest renewable hybrid energy facility in South Africa. The endeavour shows South Africa’s commitment to ensuring that its projects are on track in delivering its projects. Besides this significant project, Seriti Green is in the early development phase of a 1.3 GW project.
Known as the Phefumula Emoyeni, the 1.3GW project is adjacent to Ummbila Emoyeni, both in the Mpumalanga province. Reflecting on the start of the project, Mike Teke, Seriti Green Chairperson, said, “We are pleased and honoured to contribute to the country’s energy security with this project. It marks a significant milestone for the group and Seriti Green in particular, and represents the fulfilment of a commitment we made at the President’s Investment Conference. About half of the infrastructure will be owned and maintained by Seriti Green, and the other half will form part of Eskom’s national grid. The Seriti Group and South Africa’s citizens will therefore benefit from the project.” Once completed, South Africa’s renewable energy facility will benefit energy production and distribution enormously.
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