AMDA Developments has received an Environmental Authorisation (EA) from South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for the 1 GW Carissa Onshore Wind Project. Located near Beaufort West in the Western Cape, the project will feature 154 turbines, making it the largest permitted wind energy facility in the country. The authorisation was granted under a streamlined process owing to the project’s Strategic Infrastructure Project (SIP) status, which has helped fast-track the environmental impact assessment (EIA).
Powering South Africa’s First Large-Scale Green Ammonia Project
The Carissa Wind Energy Facility will supply renewable power to Hive Hydrogen’s Coega Green Ammonia Project in Nelson Mandela Bay. This large-scale plant, valued at approximately ZAR 105 billion (USD 6 billion), aims to produce 1 million tonnes of green ammonia per year and is a joint venture between UK-based Hive Energy and South African investment company BuiltAfrica. The wind farm is a critical component of Hive Hydrogen’s 3,300 MW renewable energy pipeline designed to support the Coega development.
Project Partners and Timeline
The Carissa project is being developed in partnership with AMDA Developments as the lead project developer and Blue Crane Environmental, which acted as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP). With the EIA now complete, Hive Hydrogen can move forward with the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase of the Coega Green Ammonia Project. Construction of the Carissa Wind Energy Facility is expected to commence in early 2027, with commissioning targeted for December 2029.
Strategic Importance
Hive Hydrogen has been developing plans for South Africa’s first large-scale green ammonia plant since 2019. By integrating renewable energy from the Carissa Wind Energy Facility, the Coega project aims to position South Africa as a global leader in the production and export of green ammonia, a vital fuel for decarbonising heavy industry and shipping.
Carissa Wind Project – Fact Sheet
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Location: Near Beaufort West, Western Cape, South Africa
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Capacity: 1 GW (154 turbines)
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Purpose: Power supply for Coega Green Ammonia Project (1 Mt/year)
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Investment in Coega Project: ZAR 105 billion (USD 6 billion)
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Project Partners: AMDA Developments, Hive Hydrogen, BuiltAfrica, Blue Crane Environmental
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Construction Start: Early 2027
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Commissioning: December 2029
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Total Renewable Pipeline: 3,300 MW (Hive Hydrogen)
