South Africa clears 1000MW wind project

Key Figures & Findings: The Carissa Wind Energy Facility (WEF), near Beaufort West in South Africa’s Western Cape, has secured Environmental Authorisation (EA), making it the country’s largest permitted wind energy project to date. With a planned capacity of up to 1,000MW, the facility will support Hive Hydrogen’s green ammonia production hub in Coega, Eastern Cape. The project is being developed by AMDA Developments with Hive Hydrogen as the committed off-taker, while Blue Crane Environmental led the Environmental Impact Assessment process, backed by South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.

Statistics & Insights: Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2027, with commissioning targeted for December 2029. The Carissa WEF is part of Hive Hydrogen’s broader 3,300MW renewable energy portfolio linked to its $5.8 billion green ammonia project at Coega.

Future Implications: If completed on time, the 1,000MW wind facility could anchor South Africa’s green hydrogen economy, supplying low-carbon energy to industrial operations and positioning the country as a key player in sustainable energy exports by 2030. The project may also serve as a benchmark for future wind energy developments in the region.

Source: Green Building Africa

Quick Take: Backed by Hive Hydrogen’s R105bn Coega project, South Africa’s 1,000MW Carissa Wind Facility sets a benchmark for future large-scale wind developments.