WATCH: Commercial operations of wind farm near Bethal start up
The project follows Seriti Green's R10b investment commitment announced during the fifth South Africa Investment Conference.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched the commercial operations of the Ummbila Emoyeni wind energy facility near Bethal on July 31, marking a significant milestone in South Africa’s renewable energy transition.
The project follows Seriti Green’s R10b investment commitment announced during the fifth South Africa Investment Conference.
The investment is expected to expand the country’s renewable energy capacity while creating jobs, supporting local businesses and driving inclusive economic growth.
Addressing guests at the launch, Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of partnerships between government, Eskom, investors and local communities in shaping South Africa’s energy future.
He described the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility as a symbol of innovation, hope and confidence in the country’s renewable energy ambitions, saying the project demonstrates how investment and human ingenuity can unlock new opportunities while strengthening energy security.
“This is a clear demonstration that areas such as Bethal, Davel and Morgenzon, which have long been left behind in terms of economic development, are now receiving new life through investments like this project,” said Ramaphosa.
He added that the wind energy facility is attracting further investment into the region.
“This investment is pulling other investments into these towns and communities that were previously left behind economically. It is also a direct result of the commitments that were made during our investment conferences,” said Ramaphosa.
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Mike Teke, chief executive officer of Seriti Group, said the successful completion of the project proves that South Africa has the capacity to develop large-scale clean energy infrastructure.
“What I am saying to everyone is don’t waste time debating whether it is coal versus renewables. That conversation is over.
“It is coal, renewables, solar, nuclear and other sources of energy. As a country, we are going to have a diverse energy mix,” said Teke.
The Ummbila Emoyeni wind energy facility forms part of South Africa’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources, improve electricity security and stimulate economic development in Mpumalanga through renewable energy investment.
Peter Venn, CEO of Seriti Green, shared: “To our employees, who believe in a vision that at times has seemed extraordinarily ambitious; today belongs to you.
“It is the result of hard work by people who were determined to prove that South Africa can build infrastructure of global significance, attract investment at scale, and help secure our nation’s energy future.
“Your dedication, resilience and commitment have made today possible. This project accumulated more than three million hours of work, and during that time, we did not record a single lost-time injury.”
“When we gather again, we will not simply be celebrating another wind farm. We will be demonstrating that wind farms, solar farms and batteries can form part of a sustainable future for South Africa, and the energy transition is just, transforming communities and industries, presenting opportunities while decarbonising to impact climate change,” said Venn.
