Seriti Green announces further R10 billion investment as landmark renewable energy project enters a new phase

BETHAL – President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday marked the commercial operation of Seriti Green’s Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm between Morgenzon and Bethal, describing the project as a major milestone in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) and a demonstration of how partnerships between government, business and communities can drive the country’s energy future.

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Hosted by Seriti Green, the event brought together national and provincial government, traditional leaders, local communities, business leaders and international partners to celebrate the completion of the first 25 turbines, marking the commercial operation of the 155MW first phase of the renewable energy project.

During the event, Seriti Green also signed an agreement for a further R10b investment towards two additional phases of development, increasing the total planned investment in the project to R25b.

A partnership driving South Africa’s energy future

Addressing guests, President Ramaphosa said the project represented more than the completion of another infrastructure development.

“Today represents far more than the completion of an infrastructure project. This project underscores the value of the partnership between government, Eskom, the private sector and communities. It shows that South Africa’s just energy transition is being realised through practical action.”

The President said South Africa remained committed to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future while ensuring that communities benefit directly from the transition.

“The true measure of the success of this just energy transition is the extent to which it creates opportunities for the South African people.”

He noted that more than 1 000 jobs had already been created through the project, with about half going to people living within a 10 km radius of the development. More than 18 500 people had also registered on the Seriti Green Skills Hub, with women accounting for more than half of those registrations.

“The just energy transition should create opportunities that remain long after construction has been completed. It should strengthen local businesses. It should equip young people with new skills. The just energy transition must leave communities stronger than before.”

Investment confidence in Mpumalanga

Ramaphosa said Seriti had demonstrated confidence in South Africa by pledging R4.5b at the fifth South Africa Investment Conference in 2023, followed by a further R10b investment in renewable energy infrastructure at the sixth conference earlier this year.

The latest agreement, signed during yesterday’s launch, brings the company’s total planned investment in the development to R25b.

The project forms part of Seriti Green’s planned 900MW renewable energy programme in Mpumalanga. According to the company, the planned Phefumula Emoyeni development will add about 600MW of wind generation capacity. Combined with Ummbila Emoyeni, the two developments are expected to comprise 187 wind turbines, creating one of the largest renewable energy precincts in Southern Africa.

Human progress through energy

Seriti Green chairman Mike Teke said the development reflected the company’s belief that South Africa’s energy future should continue evolving while creating opportunities for surrounding communities.

“Nobody is going to stand in the way of human progress.”

Teke reflected on Seriti’s evolution from a company known primarily for coal mining into a broader energy business.

“Seriti is not a coal miner. We are not greenwashing. We are an energy business.”

He said the first 25 turbines delivering 155MW represented the fulfilment of a vision first shared with stakeholders in March 2023.

“What do I mean by that? You are seeing the first 25 wind turbines delivering 155 megawatts. We spoke about this on 23 March 2023… It is happening.”

Teke said the project was the result of teamwork rather than the efforts of one individual.

According to Teke, more than 2 100 employees contributed to the construction of the project, while communities remained central to the company’s long-term plans.

“The towns of Morgenzon and Davel are going to change forever.”

Building infrastructure for the future

The renewable energy project is supported by the new Vunumoya transmission infrastructure, delivered through an investment of approximately R1.2b. According to Seriti Green, the Main Transmission Substation was completed in a record 17 months and will support renewable energy developments in the region for decades.

Among those attending the launch were Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Seriti Green CEO Peter Venn, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Wu Peng, executive mayor from the Gert Sibande District Municipality, Lekwa, Msukaligwa and Govan Mbeki local municipalities, as well as traditional leaders and representatives from business and organised labour.

Guests also gathered beneath the project’s Ndebele-wrapped turbine, known as “The Ambassador”, celebrating the combination of renewable energy infrastructure and Mpumalanga’s cultural heritage.

Earlier in the day, Premier Ndlovu officially opened Seriti Green’s new Mpumalanga headquarters in Bethal before touring the company’s remote operations centre, community digital training centre and operational facilities.

Looking ahead

Seriti Green CEO Peter Venn said the project accumulated more than three million hours of work without recording a single lost-time injury, describing it as a testament to the commitment of employees, contractors and partners who delivered the development.

Concluding the ceremony, President Ramaphosa said affordable, reliable and increasingly clean electricity would remain central to South Africa’s future prosperity.

“Electricity that is affordable, reliable and increasingly clean is the lifeblood of a growing economy.”

He concluded by expressing confidence in the country’s future.

“May the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm stand as a lasting symbol of South African ingenuity, partnership and confidence. May it remind us that when we invest in our people, strengthen our institutions and believe in our country’s future, there is no limit to what South Africans can achieve together.”