Overberg Wind Farm Construction Begins

Key Figures & Findings: Red Rocket, a Cape Town-based independent power producer with over 3.7 GW of renewable energy projects across Africa, has achieved financial close on the first phase of the Overberg Wind Farm in South Africa. This milestone enables the commencement of construction on what is set to become the country's largest privately developed wind farm. The project is a collaboration with Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, which has secured a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for 230 MW of the wind farm's capacity. Goldwind, a Chinese wind turbine manufacturer, will supply 39 turbines for the project. Financing is provided by a consortium including Absa Bank, Standard Bank, and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

Statistics & Insights: The hybrid system comprises 1.3 MWp of solar PV and an 860 kWh battery storage component. Once operational, it will reduce diesel use, lower emissions, and enhance voltage stability at Olam’s facility.

Future Implications: The project could pave the way for increased solar adoption across Nigeria’s agri-industry, especially under supportive regulatory frameworks. By 2029, Husk Power aims to install several hundred MWs of solar capacity across C&I customers in Africa.

Source:  Cape Business News