With over R40 billion invested in wind infrastructure currently under construction in South Africa, the nation is positioning itself as a continental leader in clean energy.
From the coal heartlands of Mpumalanga to the windy plains of the Western Cape, massive turbines are rising from the ground, promising to reshape the country’s energy future while creating thousands of jobs and driving economic development.
This comprehensive overview examines the five most significant wind projects currently under construction across South Africa, representing over 1.5 gigawatts of clean energy capacity that will power millions of homes and businesses.
1. Overberg Wind Farm (400MW) – South Africa’s Renewable Energy Flagship
Location: Swellendam, Western Cape
Capacity: 400MW
Investment: Undisclosed (financed by Absa Bank, Standard Bank, and DBSA)
Developer: Red Rocket Energy
Expected Completion: Early 2027
Status: Both phases under construction
The Project That’s Rewriting the Record Books
The Overberg Wind Farm stands as a monument to South Africa’s renewable energy ambitions. When fully operational in early 2027, this landmark project will claim the title of South Africa’s largest wind farm and Africa’s second-largest, trailing only Egypt’s 545MW Zafarana Wind Farm.
Perhaps most remarkably, it will be the world’s largest wind farm with private off-takers, generating an impressive 1,239 GWh of clean energy annually.
Located approximately 12 kilometers west of Swellendam in the Western Cape, the project is being developed in two distinct phases.
Phase 1, which began construction in March 2025, will deliver 242MW of capacity and generate roughly 750 GWh annually for Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto Group.
This heavy mineral mining company, which operates energy-intensive smelters that cannot be economically shut down, views renewable energy as essential to its sustainability goals. RBM has committed to sourcing 100% of its power from renewables by 2040.
Phase 2, which reached financial close in mid-2025, adds another 158MW of capacity.
This phase will supply power to Discovery Green, which will then distribute the clean energy to multiple corporate clients including Impala Platinum Holdings (Implats), Fortress Real Estate Investments, and Balwin Properties through wheeling arrangements via the national grid.
Phase 2 is expected to produce over 489 GWh per year.
Technical Innovation at Scale
The Overberg Wind Farm will feature 63 state-of-the-art Goldwind turbines: 54 units of the GWH182/6.2MW model and nine units of the more powerful GWH182/7.2MW model.
These massive machines represent some of the most advanced wind technology deployed in Africa, optimized for South Africa’s wind conditions.
The project’s success hinges on South Africa’s pioneering “wheeling” framework, which allows renewable energy producers to connect to the national grid and establish private power purchase agreements with consumers anywhere in the country.
This regulatory innovation has been crucial in making projects like Overberg financially viable, enabling corporate buyers to secure clean energy without geographic constraints.
Economic and Social Impact
Beyond its impressive technical specifications, Overberg represents a new model for renewable energy development in Africa.
The project demonstrates that large-scale wind farms can be financed and constructed entirely through private-sector partnerships, reducing dependence on government procurement programs.
This shift opens new pathways for renewable energy expansion across the continent.
Red Rocket Energy, the project developer, has established itself as a formidable force in South Africa’s renewable sector.
With 4 GW of projects either operational, under construction, or nearing financial close, the company’s portfolio includes the 147MW Roggeveld Wind Farm and the 275MW Virginia Solar Park, which was the country’s largest grid-connected solar project when construction began in 2024.
2. Koruson 1 Wind Farm Cluster (420MW) – Africa’s Manufacturing Marvel
Location: Near Middelburg and Noupoort, Eastern Cape/Northern Cape border
Capacity: 420MW (three 140MW wind farms)
Investment: R11 billion
Developer: EDF Renewables (with H1 Holdings, Gibb-Crede, and local community trust)
Expected Completion: Early 2025 (commercial operations commenced)
Status: Construction well advanced, some turbines operational
Three Wind Farms, One Transformative Vision
The Koruson 1 project is not a single wind farm but rather an ambitious cluster of three separate facilities: Phezukomoya, San Kraal, and Coleskop. Each boasts an installed capacity of 140MW, and together they form one of Africa’s most impressive renewable energy developments.
Spread across 50 square kilometers along the border between the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape provinces, this R11 billion undertaking represents a monumental step forward in South Africa’s clean energy transition.
Part of Round 5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), the Koruson 1 cluster achieved significant milestones throughout 2022 and 2023.
Phezukomoya and San Kraal reached financial close in November 2022, while Coleskop followed in January 2023, with funding provided by Standard Bank, ABSA, Investec, and Momentum Metropolitan.
Local Manufacturing Success Story
What truly distinguishes Koruson 1 from other wind projects is its groundbreaking approach to local manufacturing.
The project features 78 wind turbines installed on 124-meter-high concrete towers—and every single tower is manufactured locally at a purpose-built factory near Middelburg.
Each tower comprises 50 keystones, creating significant employment opportunities and establishing new manufacturing capabilities in South Africa.
The turbine blades themselves are engineering marvels. Each of the 237 blades measures 81.35 meters in length and weighs 28 tons.
These massive components were transported from Coega port via the R75 and N10 highways to the three project sites—a logistical achievement requiring careful planning and coordination with local communities.
The Goldwind turbines, with their 124-meter hub heights and 83-meter blade lengths, are optimized for the wind conditions in this region.
South African construction firm WBHO serves as the contractor for the balance of plant works, further emphasizing the project’s commitment to local participation.
Massive Employment Creation
During the construction phase, Koruson 1 has created employment for approximately 3,800 workers, making it one of the largest renewable energy job creators in South Africa.
The project has prioritized the use of local resources and businesses wherever possible, injecting significant economic activity into the Middelburg and Noupoort regions.
Power for the People
Once fully operational, the Koruson 1 cluster will generate enough low-carbon renewable electricity to meet the needs of approximately 193,000 South African households annually.
The power will be sold to Eskom under 20-year power purchase agreements, providing long-term energy security and supporting the utility’s efforts to integrate more renewable capacity into the national grid.
EDF Renewables is also constructing the Koruson Main Transmission Substation on behalf of Eskom under a self-build agreement, which will be transferred to the utility upon completion.
This critical infrastructure will facilitate the transmission of clean energy from the three wind farms to the broader grid.
3. Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm (155MW Phase 1) – When Coal Miners Embrace the Wind
Location: Between Bethal and Morgenzon, Mpumalanga
Capacity: 155MW (Phase 1 of 900MW total project)
Investment: R4.8 billion (Phase 1); R25 billion (total project)
Developer: Seriti Green (subsidiary of Seriti Resources)
Expected Completion: Mid-2026 (Phase 1)
Status: Construction underway
Coal Country Goes Green
In one of the most compelling narratives in South Africa’s energy transition, Seriti Resources—one of the country’s largest coal mining companies—is building Mpumalanga’s first wind farm.
This R4.8 billion project represents a profound shift in strategy for a company that supplies 32% of the coal used to generate Eskom’s electricity.
Rather than abandoning coal immediately, Seriti is pursuing what CEO Mike Teke calls a “coal and renewables” approach, recognizing both the continued near-term role of coal and the imperative of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
The Ummbila Emoyeni project emerged from Seriti’s acquisition of Windlab Africa in 2021 and the subsequent formation of Seriti Green, its renewable energy subsidiary.
The first phase consists of a 155MW wind energy facility that will supply approximately 75% of Seriti’s coal mining operations’ power requirements via a wheeling agreement with Eskom.
The remaining power will be supplied to surrounding communities, demonstrating the project’s commitment to broader social benefit.
Strategic Integration with Existing Operations
What makes Ummbila Emoyeni particularly innovative is its deep integration with Seriti’s existing coal operations.
The project uses mine-impacted water from Seriti’s nearby New Denmark colliery, creating a circular economy model that maximizes resource efficiency.
Additionally, Seriti has relinquished mineral rights over the project’s land—a significant commitment given the company’s core coal mining business.
The location itself is symbolically powerful. Mpumalanga has long been known as the heart of South Africa’s coal industry, home to numerous coal-fired power stations and mines.
Building a wind farm in this province sends a clear message about the feasibility and importance of renewable energy in traditionally fossil fuel-dependent regions.
A Just Energy Transition in Action
Seriti Green has made the concept of a “just energy transition” central to its approach. Recognizing that wind farms cannot absorb the same number of employees as coal operations, the company has focused heavily on cross-skilling and upskilling workers.
Ten percent of Seriti Green’s workforce comes from the coal sector, including senior leadership. The company has established an on-site training simulator and is exploring local manufacturing opportunities for components.
Community engagement has been extensive since 2021. Seriti Green established an online portal in 2022 to keep small and medium-sized enterprises and job seekers informed about opportunities, with approximately 6,800 people registered to date.
The project currently features 25% local content, with potential to increase to 50-60% with additional investment and policy support.
Ambitious Expansion Plans
The 155MW first phase is merely the beginning of Seriti’s renewable energy ambitions. The full Ummbila Emoyeni project will eventually comprise 900MW of capacity—750MW of wind and 150MW of solar PV—making it one of South Africa’s largest hybrid renewable energy facilities.
The project has been designated as a Strategic Integrated Project by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, underlining its national significance.
By 2027, Ummbila Emoyeni will provide electricity equivalent to the needs of approximately 500,000 South African households.
For Seriti, the project represents a path toward carbon neutrality while maintaining its coal operations during a managed transition period. Once constructed, the wind farm will reduce Seriti’s CO2 emissions by up to 350,000 tonnes annually—around half of the company’s current emissions.
Looking further ahead, Seriti Green is also developing Phefumula Emoyeni, an adjacent 1.3 GW project in Mpumalanga, and has a broader development portfolio across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Free State provinces.
4. Umsinde Emoyeni Wind Farm (144MW) – Corporate Clean Energy for Mining Giants
Location: 25km northeast of Murraysburg, Western Cape
Capacity: 144MW
Investment: Undisclosed
Developer: African Clean Energy Developments (ACED)
Off-taker: Rio Tinto (via corporate PPA)
Expected Completion: First half of 2026
Status: Under construction
Powering the Mining Sector with Wind
The Umsinde Emoyeni wind farm represents the growing trend of major corporations securing their own renewable energy supplies through dedicated wind projects.
Developed by African Clean Energy Developments (ACED), this 144MW facility will supply clean power to Rio Tinto, one of the world’s largest mining companies, through a long-term power purchase agreement.
Located in the Western Cape, approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Murraysburg, Umsinde Emoyeni is strategically positioned to take advantage of the region’s excellent wind resources.
The project will feature 32 Vestas V163-4.5 MW wind turbines, representing advanced technology optimized for reliability and high capacity factors—crucial considerations for corporate off-takers requiring stable, predictable energy supplies.
A Long-Standing Partnership
ACED and its parent company, African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), have maintained a relationship with Vestas dating back to 2011, the early days of South Africa’s wind energy industry.
This enduring partnership reflects the trust and technical confidence that has developed over more than a decade of collaboration.
The contract with Vestas includes not only the supply and installation of the 32 turbines but also a comprehensive 10-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement.
This maintenance and optimization service ensures the wind farm will operate at peak efficiency throughout its critical early operational years, providing the stable energy output that Rio Tinto requires for its operations.
Corporate Renewable Energy Strategy
For Rio Tinto, securing renewable energy through projects like Umsinde Emoyeni is part of a broader corporate sustainability strategy.
Mining operations are notoriously energy-intensive, and shifting to renewable sources helps these companies meet their carbon reduction commitments while potentially reducing long-term energy costs and hedging against fossil fuel price volatility.
The success of Umsinde Emoyeni has already prompted ACED to expand its partnership with Vestas.
In August 2024, the company placed an identical 144MW order for the Khangela Emoyeni wind farm, also in the Western Cape, demonstrating the replicability of this corporate off-take model.
5. Khangela Emoyeni Wind Farm (144MW) – Building on Success
Location: Near Murraysburg, Western Cape
Capacity: 144MW
Investment: Undisclosed
Developer: African Clean Energy Developments (ACED)
Off-taker: Rio Tinto (via corporate PPA)
Expected Completion: First half of 2026
Status: Under construction
Replicating a Winning Formula
The Khangela Emoyeni wind farm is ACED’s second major project for Rio Tinto in 2024, following closely on the heels of Umsinde Emoyeni.
Like its sister project, Khangela Emoyeni will feature 32 Vestas V163-4.5 MW wind turbines and a 10-year service agreement, representing a total capacity of 144MW.
The decision to proceed with a second, identically-sized project using the same turbine technology reflects the confidence that both ACED and Rio Tinto have in the Vestas platform.
The V163-4.5 MW turbines have demonstrated excellent reliability and capacity factors in South African conditions, making them an attractive choice for projects requiring predictable performance.
Strategic Location in the Western Cape
Situated near the small town of Murraysburg in the Western Cape, Khangela Emoyeni joins an increasingly dense cluster of wind farms taking advantage of the region’s exceptional wind resources.
The Western Cape has emerged as the epicenter of South Africa’s wind energy boom, with its consistent winds, relatively flat terrain, and established transmission infrastructure making it ideal for large-scale wind development.
The project will contribute to meeting Rio Tinto’s renewable energy needs across its South African operations, which include the Richards Bay Minerals facility—a major consumer of electricity due to its energy-intensive mineral processing operations.
By developing multiple wind farms to supply various facilities, Rio Tinto is diversifying its renewable energy portfolio and reducing reliance on the national grid and fossil fuel-based generation.
Contributing to Local Economies
Like other major wind projects in South Africa, Khangela Emoyeni will create significant economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
The construction phase generates hundreds of jobs, while the operational phase provides ongoing employment in maintenance and monitoring roles.
Additionally, wind farms typically include community development programs focused on education, healthcare, and local infrastructure improvements.
Sam Cook, ACED’s Project Manager for procurement and construction, emphasized the importance of the relationship with local communities:
“We are very pleased to be placing yet another order with Vestas, in service of our offtaker Rio Tinto, our shareholders and the communities around our project.”
Vestas’ Growing South African Presence
The back-to-back orders from ACED reflect Vestas’ strong position in the South African wind market.
With over 1.5 GW of capacity either installed or under construction in the country, Vestas has established itself as a leading turbine supplier, benefiting from its proven track record, local service capabilities, and deep understanding of South African wind conditions.
For Vestas, the reliability and high capacity factors of the V163-4.5 MW turbines provide customers with the business case certainty they need for their projects.
In a market where corporate off-takers like Rio Tinto demand predictable, stable energy supplies, this track record is invaluable.
The Bigger Picture: What These Projects Mean for South Africa
A New Era of Energy Independence
Collectively, these five projects represent over 1.5 gigawatts of new wind capacity coming online by 2027—enough to power more than one million South African homes.
This massive influx of clean energy arrives at a critical moment, as the country seeks to move beyond years of load-shedding and energy insecurity while simultaneously addressing climate change commitments.
The diversity of these projects is particularly noteworthy. They span from the Western Cape to Mpumalanga, from government procurement programs to purely private arrangements, and from established renewable energy companies to coal miners embracing their first wind farms.
This variety demonstrates that South Africa’s renewable energy transition is broad-based, resilient, and increasingly driven by market forces rather than government mandates alone.
Economic Transformation and Job Creation
Beyond their energy output, these projects represent over R40 billion in direct investment in South Africa’s economy.
During construction, they’re creating more than 5,000 direct jobs, with thousands more in the supply chain.
The emphasis on local manufacturing—particularly visible in the Koruson 1 project—is building capabilities that will serve South Africa well as renewable energy deployment continues to accelerate.
The just energy transition principles embodied in projects like Ummbila Emoyeni offer a model for other coal-dependent regions worldwide.
Rather than treating coal and renewables as mutually exclusive, Seriti’s approach recognizes the need for a managed transition that protects workers and communities while building a cleaner energy future.
Private Sector Leadership
Perhaps most striking is the extent to which these projects are driven by private sector investment and corporate off-take agreements.
Overberg’s status as the world’s largest privately off-taken wind farm signals a mature renewable energy market where companies can secure clean energy without relying on government procurement.
This maturity will be crucial for sustaining South Africa’s renewable energy growth beyond government programs.
Rio Tinto’s commitment to sourcing 100% of its power from renewables by 2040, backed by concrete investments like Umsinde Emoyeni and Khangela Emoyeni, demonstrates how corporate sustainability commitments are translating into real infrastructure projects.
As more companies follow this path, the pipeline of renewable energy projects in South Africa is likely to expand substantially.
Technical Innovation and Capacity Building
These projects showcase cutting-edge wind turbine technology adapted for African conditions.
From Goldwind’s powerful 7.2 MW turbines at Overberg to Vestas’ reliable V163-4.5 MW machines in the Western Cape, South Africa is deploying world-class equipment.
The local manufacturing of concrete towers at Koruson 1 and the emphasis on skills development at Ummbila Emoyeni are building a domestic capability that will serve the sector for decades to come.
The successful implementation of wheeling arrangements has proven that South Africa’s grid infrastructure can accommodate distributed renewable energy generation.
This regulatory and technical success opens the door for even more ambitious projects in the future.
Environmental and Social Benefits
Once operational, these five projects will collectively prevent millions of tons of CO2 emissions annually, contributing significantly to South Africa’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The reduction in air pollution will yield public health benefits, particularly in regions near coal-fired power stations.
Community development programs associated with these projects—a requirement of South Africa’s renewable energy procurement framework—are bringing new resources to rural areas.
From schools and clinics to road improvements and small business support, the benefits of these wind farms extend far beyond electricity generation.
Conclusion: Wind Power’s Pivotal Moment
South Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its energy history. The five wind projects profiled here—Overberg, Koruson 1, Ummbila Emoyeni, Umsinde Emoyeni, and Khangela Emoyeni—represent more than just new power generation capacity.
They symbolize a fundamental shift in how South Africa produces and consumes energy.
From the record-breaking scale of Overberg to the groundbreaking coal-to-renewables narrative of Ummbila Emoyeni, these projects demonstrate that South Africa has the technical capability, financial resources, and political will to execute a successful energy transition.
The involvement of diverse stakeholders—from renewable energy pioneers like Red Rocket to coal mining giants like Seriti, from international turbine manufacturers to local construction firms—reflects a broad-based commitment to change.
As these turbines begin spinning over the next two years, they will generate not only gigawatt-hours of clean electricity but also hope for a more sustainable, secure, and prosperous energy future.
For a country that has struggled with chronic electricity shortages, these wind farms offer tangible evidence that solutions exist and are being implemented at scale.
The success of these projects will undoubtedly inspire more investment, more innovation, and more ambitious targets.
South Africa’s wind energy story is still being written, but these five projects are already defining some of its most important chapters—chapters of transformation, innovation, and hope for a cleaner energy future.
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