The first phase of the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm, developed by Seriti Green, has commenced commercial operations in South Africa (SA).
Powered by 25 Goldwind GWH182-6.2MW turbines, this phase delivers a total capacity of 155MW and incorporates 183.5m rotor diameter turbines.
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A commissioning ceremony marked the operational launch of the project. Attendees included SA President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese Ambassador to SA Wu Peng, company representatives from both Seriti and Goldwind, as well as other government officials and community leaders.
The wider Ummbila project is intended as a multi-phase renewable energy hub, designed to integrate 750MW of wind power, 150MW of solar and 800MW-hours (MWh) of energy storage once completed.
Construction for subsequent phases is ongoing, with full project completion targeted for 2027.
President Ramaphosa described the project as a significant step for SA’s Just Energy Transition and national sustainable development plans. He credited Goldwind for contributing to the project’s delivery and highlighted its role in national and global sustainability efforts.
Seriti Green CEO Peter Venn said: “Goldwind has been our indispensable long-term partner and we look forward to deepening cooperation on future project phases.”
At the event, Goldwind and Seriti Green signed an agreement covering cooperation for phase four of the complex.
Goldwind deputy chairman and president Cao Zhigang said: “Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm Phase One achieving commercial operation ahead of schedule is proof of the trust and open collaboration we have built.
“This is not just a wind farm – it is a strategic project that delivers reliable power, drives infrastructure investment, creates local jobs and advances community development.”
Phase one will supply approximately 480,000MWh of energy annually, sufficient for around 500,000 households, and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 400,000t per year.
During its construction, more than 1,200 jobs were created, and total employment is predicted to reach 2,000 across the hub’s subsequent phases.
The wind farm has passed necessary grid connection tests.
According to company figures, with the expected completion of future phases, Goldwind’s installed wind capacity in SA is projected to exceed 2.2GW by the second quarter of 2027.
