Red Rocket’s Roggeveld wind farm achieves commercial operations

The project milestone, that was officially achieved on 26 February, sees the African Independent Power Producer (IPP) effectively near double its project's asset base. Its renewable energy projects in operation, under construction, or awarded preferred bidder status across the Continent now total 750MW.

Roggeveld Wind Power was awarded preferred bidder status under Round 4 of South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers' Procurement programme (REIPPPP). The project reached the peak of its construction as the covid pandemic took hold globally, and the build was halted for a short period in adherence to covid restrictions.

Says Matteo Brambilla, CEO of Red Rocket: “While Covid had impacts on our construction by reaching COD, we believe that we have evidenced our determination to deliver clean energy and meaningful economic participation for the communities we serve.”

Reyburn Hendricks the CEO of H1 Holdings, a 100% black-owned infrastructure, investment, and development company that has partnered with Red Rocket on three renewable energy projects echoes Brambilla’s sentiments. Hendricks says: “Together with Red Rocket, H1 is actively working towards contributing to meeting South Africa’s commitment to a low-carbon energy system.”

Constructed at an estimated cost of R4,4billion, the 47 Nordex wind turbines at the Roggeveld Wind Farm will generate around 613 GWh per year. The energy generated will satisfy the energy needs of roughly 49 200 households every year while avoiding the emission of about 502 900 tons of CO2 emissions.