Name of the Project
Ummbila Emoyeni wind energy facility.

Location
Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Coal producer Seriti Resources and its renewable-energy subsidiary Seriti Green.

Project Description
Ummbila Emoyeni has been designated as a Strategic Integrated Project by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. The wind farm will be the first renewable-energy project to be developed in Mpumalanga.

The wind farm project forms part of the coal miner’s strategy of diversifying its offering to more than coal, in a sustainable way, for it to play its role in the country’s just energy transition journey.

The initial 155 MW wind energy facility is the first phase of a larger, almost 900 MW, renewable-energy cluster, which comprises 750 MW of wind energy facilities and 150 MW of solar photovoltaic plants.

Once built, the wind farm will result in more than 75% of the energy consumption from Seriti’s existing operations switching from coal to renewable energy, helping to mitigate its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse-gas emissions.

The overall project will also include 800 MWh of storage capacity.

Potential Job Creation
More than 1 000 people have been employed by Seriti Green and on-site contractors.

Of the more than 1 000 people employed at the wind energy facility, 586 people (58.6%) come from local communities. Digitally, Seriti Green has registered more than 17 000 jobseekers, achieving a 50:50 gender split.

Seriti Green is in the process of transitioning former mine staff into renewable-energy roles, providing opportunities for individuals to transfer their skills into new industries. This approach ensures that these employees can continue to play a key role in the company’s future.

Capital Expenditure
The energy cluster will involve R25-billion investment.

The initial wind energy facility is estimated at R4.8-billion. About R1.5-billion of this will be spent on the grid infrastructure needed for the project.

Planned Start/End Date
The project is scheduled to be fully commissioned by 2027.

Latest Developments
Seriti Green reported on February 4 that nine turbines, including 27 blades and other components, were being transported on the N2, from Richards Bay to the facility.

The turbines and components started moving on February 3. The convoy, managed by Vanguard, will be 335 m long and will take three days to complete its journey.

Every turbine comprises 12 components, and special trucks are being used to transport one turbine blade from the port to the facility. Road modifications along the N2 have been implemented to ensure that the turbine blades can be transported safely. 

Convoys will continue until all turbine components have been delivered.

The arrival of the turbine blades and associated components advances the wind energy facility into the construction phase. Once the turbines have been installed and connected, renewable-energy generation can start.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Vanguard (transport).

Contact Details for Project Information
Seriti, tel +27 11 047 7000 or email info@seritiza.com.