Nine turbines, including 27 blades and other components, are being transported on the N2, from Richards Bay to Seriti Green’s Ummbila Emoyeni wind energy facility in Bethal, Mpumalanga.

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

Each turbine consists of 12 components, and special trucks are being used to move a single turbine blade from the port to the Ummbila Emoyeni wind energy facility. Road modifications along the N2 have been implemented to ensure the turbine blades can be transported safely.

The arrival of the turbine blades and associated components moves the wind energy facility into its construction phase. Once installed and connected, renewable energy generation can begin.

Once operational, the Ummbila Emoyeni wind energy facility’s first phase is expected to offset 500 000 t/y of CO₂ emissions.

“This future contribution to South Africa’s climate commitments will [help] in building a more diversified and sustainable energy landscape. The project will also bolster the nation's energy security by increasing generation capacity, contributing to a more stable and secure electricity supply,” Seriti Resources CEO and Seriti Green chairperson Mike Teke said on February 4.

Over the past two years, more than 1 000 people have been employed by Seriti Green and on-site contractors.

“Of the over 1 000 people employed at the wind energy facility, 586 people (58.6%) come from local communities. Digitally, Seriti Green has registered over 17 000 jobseekers, achieving a 50:50 gender split,” Seriti Green CE Peter Venn said.

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.

“Our South African team has been planning and preparing for the port handling and transportation for these wind turbines for over a year. This is a complex engineering and logistical operation, and our experience over the past 15 years in the wind energy sector has placed us in good stead to execute this project safely and efficiently,” Vanguard senior manager Ryan Hosking said.

The initial turbines will arrive in Bethal later this week. Convoys will continue until all turbine components have been delivered.