Seriti Green, a subsidiary of Seriti Resources, is progressing with the construction of the Ummbila Emoyeni project in Mpumalanga, South Africa’s first majority black-owned wind farm.
This project, unveiled to the media and stakeholders on July 17, is a crucial component of Seriti’s strategy to diversify beyond coal and support the country’s just energy transition (JET).
The R4.8-billion Ummbila Emoyeni project represents the first major venture since Seriti Resources acquired Windlab and launched Seriti Green last year. Historically a significant coal miner, Seriti Resources operates six large-scale thermal coal mines, predominantly supplying Eskom power stations.
The wind farm project aims to contribute to South Africa’s sustainable energy future while maintaining Seriti’s coal operations until a long-term phase-out can be achieved. Seriti Resources Group CEO and Seriti Green chairperson Mike Teke emphasised that the transition from coal needs to be gradual and sustainable.
The first phase of the 155 MW wind energy facility is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by mid-July 2026. The entire project, which will ultimately generate 900 MW of power (750 MW from wind and 150 MW from solar), is scheduled to be fully operational by 2027.
It will supply 75% of Seriti’s operational electricity needs and provide power to surrounding communities through a wheeling arrangement. (Wheeling is the delivery of energy from a generator to an end-user located in another area through the use of an existing distribution or transmission networks).
Peter Venn, CEO of Seriti Green, highlighted the project’s integration with Seriti’s existing coal business. “It is not about either coal or renewables, rather, it is about coal and renewables,” he said.
The project leverages mine-impacted water from Seriti’s New Denmark colliery and aims to create a circular economy. Additionally, 10% of Seriti Green’s workforce comes from the coal sector, underscoring the company’s commitment to cross-skilling and upskilling workers.
Venn also noted the project’s local economic impact, including sourcing equipment locally and exploring options for local manufacturing of components. The project features an on-site training simulator to support sustainable job creation in Mpumalanga, preparing for a future where coal power stations are decommissioned.
Community and stakeholder engagement have been pivotal since 2021. Seriti Green established a portal in 2022 to inform small and medium-sized enterprises and job seekers about opportunities, with approximately 6,800 people registered to date.
Venn praised the local government’s support, highlighting its proactive role in ensuring stakeholder and community involvement.
Environmental studies conducted prior to construction have limited the project’s land use to 1% of the available area, protecting the environment and local infrastructure. The project currently boasts 25% local components, with potential to increase to 50%-60% pending further investment and policy support.
The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) found that “in the first quarter of 2024, wind technology accounted for 4.9% of the electricity produced, making it the leading renewable energy technology in South Africa’s energy mix”.
IOL