The Chaba (20.6 MW), Waainek (23.3 MW) and Grassridge (59.8 MW) wind farm projects are located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. They will be equipped with Vestas turbines, each with 3 MW in unit capacity. The construction should start in 2013 to reach commissioning in late 2014. The financial close will be completed in 2013.
Keen to leverage on highly favourable sun and wind conditions, the South African authorities planned to develop a total installed base of 3,725 MW in renewable energies by 2016. In line with this policy, the South African government launched a global call for tenders with several rounds for the allocation of solar, biomass, hydro and wind power projects across the country.
“We are delighted to have been selected and given this opportunity to contribute to the development of wind power in South Africa” commented Fabienne Demol, Director of New Business at EDF Energies Nouvelles. “This latest success demonstrates EDF EN’s ability to develop projects that fully meet requirements and respond to local needs, while retaining the same high quality and profitability standards like all other group’s investments.”
Continuing its development strategy and in order to participate in the various rounds of the South African call for tenders, EDF Energies Nouvelles established a partnership in 2011 with local developer InnoWind, in which it took an 80% stake, as well as with other partners, including an organization enabling to share projects benefits with local communities.The implementation of these projects in South Africa, 60% of which are held by InnoWind, will enable EDF Energies Nouvelles to strenghten its geographical presence in a new country offering the guarantees, visibility and perspectives that EDF EN is looking for and which contribute to the strength of its growth model.