Enel Green Power South Africa (EGP South Africa), the subsidiary of Italian renewable energy company, Enel, has begun construction on three new wind farms in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province with a capacity of 330MW. The wind farms, Impofu East, Impofu West, and Impofu North – will provide energy to Air Liquide Large Industries South Africa and Sasol South Africa
The wind farms are expected to become operational in 2026, and will consist of 57 turbines, eight high-voltage substations, as well as 120km of 132kV high-voltage overhead electricity lines.
The renewable energy power plants will supply electricity to Sasol’s Secunda site in the Mpumalanga province where Air Liquide operates the world’s largest oxygen production facility via a wheeling framework agreement with Eskom.
Enel highlighted that the new wind energy projects will complement its existing portfolio of over 1.2GW of renewable energy that it already has in operation in South Africa.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Manuele Battisti, Country Manager at EGP South Africa, said that the projects align seamlessly with the Enel Group’s strategic vision for 2024 to 2026.
“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, marking a significant leap forward in our mission to power the country’s sustainable future,” stated Battisti.
Enel says the new transmission lines from the wind farms will not only improve South Africa’s grid capacity, but will also lean on the company’s commitment to creating shared value in the communities it operates in.
The renewables developer says coordinating with up to 60 different landowners within the vicinity of the projects presents its challenges, but the social and economic benefits for local communities will be substantial. A series of community upliftment initiatives and job creation opportunities that will take place during the construction phase and, thereafter, during the operational phase.
“As we forge ahead with our strategic vision for a sustainable future together, we remain dedicated to not only providing innovative, clean energy solutions in South Africa, but also creating shared value for our partners, communities and clients while enabling progress with sustainable energy, environmentally, socially and financially,” concluded Manuele Battisti, Country Manager at EGP South Africa.
