South Africa's Twin Wind Farm Launch

Key Figures & Findings: Red Rocket, a leading renewable energy company in South Africa, has commenced commercial operations for its Rietkloof and Brandvalley Wind Farms. The Rietkloof site officially came online on 23 April 2025, with Brandvalley following on 24 April 2025. Both projects, situated between the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces, were part of South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) Round 5, awarded Preferred Bidder status in October 2021. Red Rocket Chief Operating Officer, Luca Silva, praised the company's achievement in navigating a highly competitive bid round and overcoming construction challenges. The projects reached financial close in February 2023 and feature 32 Vestas V150-4.5MW wind turbines each, underscoring Red Rocket's growing portfolio and contribution to South Africa's energy security.

Statistics & Insights: The two sites boast a combined nameplate capacity of 288MW (144MW each), with Rietkloof Wind Farm expected to generate approximately 585GWh of energy annually and Brandvalley around 595GWh. Each project contributes significantly toward South Africa's renewable energy targets, strengthening grid resilience and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Future Implications: If Red Rocket maintains momentum, the company could become a pivotal player in achieving South Africa's 2030 clean energy goals, particularly in supporting energy diversification efforts. By 2026, additional wind projects under development could further enhance regional energy stability and economic growth.

Source: Green Building Africa