Diversified family-owned German renewable-energy development and operations company Enertrag has concluded an agreement with South African renewable-energy company Genesis Eco-Energy Developments (GEED) for the development of up to 1 800 MW of wind energy capacity in South Africa.

This is one of the largest renewable-energy development agreements signed since the launch of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) in 2009.

The deal catalyses a portfolio of wind energy projects strategically located across the country – some in advanced development stages – and was brokered by Enertrag South Africa directors Zuben Jessa and Dr Tobias Bischof-Niemz, Enertrag CFO Dr Gunar Hering and GEED partners Davin Chown and Ralph Damonse.

This partnership brings together two companies with long-standing development records and a commitment to efficient clean energy development.

The South African renewable-energy market stands to gain significant benefit from the combined wealth of development experience from the partnership, GEED noted.

Commenting on the partnership, Jessa stated that the recent conclusion of the power purchase agreements for 27 independent power producers had provided much-needed relief and optimism in the industry.

“We are confident that, purely based on their superior economics, renewables will play a significant role in South Africa’s energy mix into the future. Moreover, renewable energy will enable transformation and provide employment in an exciting and modernised energy sector.”

Jessa further noted that South Africa had the opportunity to leverage its considerable renewable energy and human potential by capitalising on the inevitable global energy transition.

Damonse said that insisting on development that prioritised industrialisation, transformation and local participation would generate a transformed industry that was globally competitive, with far-reaching sustained economic benefits for South Africa as well as local communities.