The South African Government yesterday named two projects developed by Windlab as preferred bidders in its energy procurement program. These projects represent 40% of the total 560MW of wind energy capacity awarded.
“This is another demonstration of Windlab’s ability to develop affordable renewable energy projects. Our success in South Africa is under-pinned by our proprietary WindScape technology,” said Windlab’s Chief Executive Officer Roger Price. “Our scientific approach to wind development allowed us to locate the strongest resource and then work with communities, environmental experts and commercial partners to bring these projects to reality.”
Windlab partnered with Moyeng Energy to develop the 91MW West Coast One project near Vredenburg in the Western Cape. Moyeng Energy is a consortium involving Investec Bank and French energy company GDF Suez.
The 138MW Amakhala Emoyeni Phase 1 project is located between Cookhouse and Bedford in the Eastern Cape. Windlab partnered with Cennergi, a joint venture between Exxaro and India’s Tata Power Company, in December 2011 to complete development and prepare a successful bid.
The announcement relating to these two projects forms part of the Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer’s Procurement Programme, a R100bn (US$12bn) programme that will kick-start the country’s renewable energy industry.
“We are delighted to receive this news. It is a strong endorsement of the quality of our portfolio in Southern Africa and validation of the support we have received from our partners,” said Peter Venn, Windlab’s Regional Director for South Africa. “Importantly, these projects will deliver real benefits to the people of South Africa: clean electricity, regional employment and local economic development.”
For more information, see the following articles:
Suzlon to supply 138MW plant in South Africa after tender win
Second-window renewables developers begin to emerge
Windlab’s South African win
Wind power blowing hard