Amakhala Emoyeni (meaning “aloes in the wind” in the local Xhosa language) is a 134MW wind farm located near the town of Bedford, in Eastern Cape.
The project is the first phase of the larger concept which includes Msenge Emoyeni and Iziduli Emoyeni.
The region was identified by Windlab in 2009 as an excellent area for wind development due to the high wind speeds and the proximity to high capacity transmission. Windlab then secured the land and began the development process.
The environmental authorisation was granted in 2011 for the greater region (including the Msenge and Iziduli phases).
The same year, Windlab partnered with Cennergi (a joint venture between Exxaro and Tata Power) and successfully bid the project into South Africa’s renewable energy program.
The project began commercial operations in 2016.
The project will have significant benefits to the local community. In addition to employing dozens of local contractors, part of the project is owned by two local community trusts, which provides over $14.5 million in local economic development.