Name of the Project
Noupoort Wind Farm project.

Location
Northern Cape, South Africa.

Client
The project is being developed by a consortium comprising Lekela Power, a 60:40 joint venture between Actis and Mainstream Renewable Power, Thebe Investment Corporation, Old Mutual’s IDEAS Managed Fund, Futuregrowth Asset Management, and Genesis Eco-Energy in partnership with Lereko Metier Sustainable Capital and local community trusts.

Project Description
The project consists of 35 wind turbines, with an output of 80 MW and a turbine capacity of 2.3 MW each, as well as a substation and 10-km-long 132 kV transmission line.

The wind farm will generate about 304 800 MWh/y of clean, renewable energy for the national grid. When operating at full capacity, it is expected to supply enough green electricity to power about 70 000 average South African homes and prevent about 300 000 t/y of carbon emissions.

The project was selected in the third round of the Renewable Energy Independent Producer Power Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

Jobs to be Created
Not stated.

Value
R1.9-billion.

The debt for the project has been arranged and underwritten by Barclays and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

Duration
The wind farm entered commercial operation in July 2016.

Latest Developments
The Noupoort wind farm has been declared officially operational by Umsobumvo municipality district mayor Mzwandile Toto, following the completion of construction and the plant’s connection to the Eskom grid earlier in the year.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Siemens Wind Power (wind turbines), GRI – Renewable Industries (turbine towers) and Murray & Roberts Construction; Consolidated Power Projects (civil and electrical work); Fairwind and BMS (subcontractors).

On Budget and on Time?
The project is on schedule and within budget.

Contact Details for Project Information
Lekela Power, email info@lekela.com.
Siemens Wind Power, Cordula Ressing, tel +49 91 31 18 3700 or
email cordula.ressing@siemens.com.
Murray & Roberts Construction, tel +27 11 456 1000, fax +27 11 590 5474 or email info.construction@murrob.com.
Consolidated Power Projects, tel +27 11 805 4281, fax +27 11 805 1132 or email conco@concogrp.com.
GRI – Renewable Industries, tel +34 91 379 19 00, fax +34 91 172 61 83 or email info@gri.com.es.
Fairwind, email mail@fairwind.dk.
BMS, tel +45 70 137 138 or email mail@bms.dk.