Ummbila Emoyeni 900MW hybrid renewable energy facility. The largest renewable hybrid energy facility in South Africa. Based in the Highveld, the project is set to redefine the Mpumalanga province’s journey towards a just energy transition. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has designated the entire project as a Strategic Integrated Project. It has already received its Environmental Authorisation from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, a critical requirement to start construction.
The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency was also part of the process, as a stakeholder, to assist getting the project off the ground working hand in hand with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government as well as Seriti Green.
The premier of the Mpumalanga Province, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu, visited the wind farm site on the 6th of September 2024. Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency’s (MGCA) Acting CEO, Nkosinathi Nkonyane was part of the Premier’s visit to the Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm project which aims to produce 900Mw of renewable energy during its first phase with a R4.5 billion investment. The project will produce 3 GW of renewable energy upon completion totalling an investment of R25 billion. Seriti Green CEO thanked all stakeholders who made the project possible and mentioned the critical role MGCA in the removal of barriers and its partnership since 2018 when the project was still in the planning phase.
Wind farms also contribute significantly to local communities, funding initiatives within a 50km radius of their sites as part of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) programme,” it said.
“These initiatives include educational support, food security programs, healthcare services and community safety projects, fostering community development.”
“As the demand for renewable energy rises, so will the need for a skilled workforce,” it said.
This project is now proof of the viability of the interventions of the Green Economy which are being introduced to the communities that inhabit the power stations which are scheduled to shut down.
