South Africa's Ishwati Wind Farm Begins

February 24, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

Key Figures & Findings: The 140 MW Ishwati Emoyeni Wind Farm in South Africa has reached a financial close, with construction now underway. African Clean Energy Developments (ACED) led the project, alongside Energy Infrastructure Management Services (EIMS) Africa and NOA Group Trading as the off-taker. The $260 million project, backed by the AIIM-managed IDEAS Fund and Reatile Group, marks the first large-scale renewable project in South Africa to sign a power purchase agreement (PPA) with NOA, an independent energy trader.

Statistics & Insights: The wind farm will feature 32 Vestas 4.5 MW turbines and is adjacent to the Umsinde Emoyeni and Khangela Emoyeni wind farms. The wind farm is expected to be operational by 2026.

Future Implications: This project could accelerate private energy trading, reducing South Africa's reliance on Eskom while boosting renewable capacity. As market liberalization continues, similar wind and solar PPA deals could follow, reshaping the country's energy landscape by 2030.