Enel starts operating new South African wind farm

William Price, Country Manager in South Africa, said: “Gibson Bay is the second wind farm we have brought to life in South Africa, our first being Nojoli, further demonstrating our commitment to a low-carbon energy future. Taking the lead in renewable energy gives South Africa the opportunity to become a key global player in this growing industry, while investment in renewables provides good job opportunities and has brought new skills into the country. We are proud to offer a strong renewable energy generation base.” 

The Gibson Bay wind farm is capable of generating around 420 GWh per year, equivalent to the annual consumption needs of around 131 thousand South African households while avoiding the emission of over 383 thousand tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere each year.

The wind farm is supported by a 20-year power supply agreement with the South African utility Eskom, as part of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) tender promoted by the South African government, which awarded the project to the Enel Group.

EGP RSA has also carried out creating shared value (CSV) initiatives in the areas surrounding the Gibson Bay wind farm. The Soul Provider school feeding programme has benefitted around 2,850 school children, while free EGP wi-fi is supplied to local learning institutions and reaches approximately 1,000 beneficiaries. Enel has also carried out road improvements in the areas around the wind farm to facilitate travel to and from school or the workplace.

Enel has in South Africa more than 520 MW of wind and solar plants in operation. The Group’s subsidiary EGP RSA operates the 88 MW Nojoli wind farm in the Eastern Cape province as well as the PV plants Paleisheuwel (82.5 MW, situated in the Western Cape province); Tom Burke (66 MW, in the Limpopo province); Upington (10 MW) and Adams (82.5 MW), both located in the Northern Cape province; and Pulida (82.5 MW), located in the Free State province.