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 phase is the first of eight for the planned 900 MW renewable-energy cluster,  which comprises 750 MW of wind energy facilities and 150 MW of solar PV 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
The construction of the project is expected to create about 800 jobs.

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

Seriti Resources has partnered with Standard Bank, Rand Merchant Bank and Venn Energy in the financing and development of the 155 MW project, which is estimated at R4.5-billion. 

Planned Start/End Date
Construction of the first phase has started with completion expected in the second quarter of 2026.

Latest Developments
Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa visited Seriti Green’s flagship Ummbila Emoyeni renewable-energy project, in Mpumalanga, on August 14. The Minister highlighted the project as an exemplar for South Africa’s just energy transition (JET).

The project was “major”, as it was located in the coal heartlands, where the majority of the country’s energy came from, and also represented the coexistence of renewable-energy technology with coal, he told media on the sidelines of the visit.

He also noted that Seriti Green invested in the people, and ensured the coexistence of primary agriculture and the interventions that they are making: “The Seriti Green project is a perfect illustration of what can be achieved –  a genuine, JET.” 
He also welcomed the investment from Chinese company Goldwind, which is supplying Seriti Green with wind turbines, as it represents foreign direct investment in the country.

An associated benefit of the project is the company’s R50-million co-investment with Goldwind in upgrading the facilities at the Port of Richards Bay, in KwaZulu-Natal, where the turbines for the project are being delivered.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Vanguard (transport).

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