Golden Valley wind energy project reaches commercial operation
Renewable power developer BioTherm Energy has completed all four of its projects in South Africa.
Image for illustration purposes
South Africa, Bedford: Renewable power developer BioTherm Energy has completed all four of its projects in South Africa.
The latest project, the Golden Valley Wind Energy Facility, has come on stream in the Eastern Cape.
The company’s $449.6 M (R6.5 B) investment, connects 284 MW into South Africa’s national grid and is partnered by Thebe Investment Corporation, which has a 37.5 % stake in all four projects.
The 123 MW Golden Valley Wind Energy Facility reached commercial operations 1 May 2021 and is expected to generate over 477 GWh of renewable power each year, equivalent to the energy needs of approximately 120,000 households.
It joins 33 MW Excelsior Wind Energy Facility, in the Western Cape, and two solar PV projects in the Northern Cape, namely 46 MW Aggeneys Solar and its sister plant 86 MW Konkoonsies II Solar. All the projects form part of the government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme’s fourth bid round.
“We are delighted that the Golden Valley project has achieved COD. Thebe’s investment, alongside BioTherm Energy, demonstrates a commitment to growing our portfolio of renewable energy assets and to contribute positively to our country, and deliver on our mandate of ‘building communities’ to make a significant economic impact in South Africa,” commented Sunil Ramkillawan, CEO of Thebe Energy and Resources.
BioTherm Energy’s portfolio extends across South Africa’s borders into Kenya, where its fifth renewable energy asset is nearing operations, increasing this pan-African renewable power producer’s portfolio close to 400 MW.
“Bringing four IPPs into operation in South Africa, over the last nine months under challenging circumstances, has been a proud achievement for us,” said Robert Skjodt, CEO of BioTherm Energy, which is majority-owned by emerging markets investor Actis, adding, “Our Kenyan wind energy project, southwest of Nairobi, is already connected to the country’s national grid and energised, so we expect to have our current portfolio fully operational before the close of this quarter.”
Source: ESI Africa