Italian independent power producer (IPP) Building Energy has been awarded preferred bidder status in Round 4 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) for a wind and mini hydro project.

Building Energy was previously awarded an 81 MWp photovoltaic project in Kathu, in the Northern Cape, and a 16.5 MWe biomass facility in northern KwaZulu-Natal respectively in the first and third rounds of the REIPPPP.

Building Energy Africa MD Matteo Brambilla tells Engineering News that this makes the company the first renewable-energy IPP to deliver projects across four different generation technologies.

In Round 4, the company will develop and implement a 140 MW wind project in Roggeveld, in the Northern Cape. The project will generate 590 GWh/y.

Building Energy will also build a 4.7 MW small hydro project in Kruisvallei, in the Free State, which will produce 36 GWh/y.

“We are excited about the news of being awarded the Round 4 projects and are honoured that South Africa has decided once again to rely on our company. Winning this bid is particularly important as it shows our expertise and ability to deliver great results but also rewarding our efforts and commitment in this country, which can offer a lot to the renewable-energies market,” says Brambilla.

He adds that South African entity participation, which is a requirement if the REIPPPP is at a minimum of 40%.

The REIPPPP is a dependable and bankable framework that highlights the commitment to renewable-energy power generation in South Africa, he says.

“The REIPPPP is a globally savvy renewable-energy procurement process that guarantees investors a return on their investment,” Brambilla says.

By exploiting the expertise and knowledge the South African market has acquired through major projects, Building Energy aims to take on more opportunities in South Africa and neighbouring countries.

The company is undertaking a 10 MWp solar farm in Tororo, in Uganda.

Brambilla says Building Energy believes in the renewable-energy potential of sub-Saharan Africa and hopes to generate clean power to South Africa’s energy grid through its projects.