Name and Location
Amakhala Emoyeni wind energy facility, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Client
Cennergi, a joint venture (JV) between Exxaro and Tata Power, bought the rights to the project from Windlab in 2011. The JV owns 95% of the project, with the Cookhouse Community Trust owning 2.5% and the Bedford Community Trust the remaining 2.5%. Standard Bank has arranged the debt component.

Project Description
The 134 MW wind energy project is among the 19 renewable-energy and seven wind projects selected, following the second bid window under the South African government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.

The wind farm is located near the town of Bedford.

Nordex was awarded the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), as well as the operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts.  The project involved the installation of 56 Nordex 2.4 MW N117 wind turbines.

Value
The project is estimated at R3.9-billion.

Duration
The project achieved financial close in May 2013. Construction started in June 2014 and was completed in mid-2016.

Latest Developments
The Amakhala Emoyeni Wind Farm has achieved commercial operations, fulfilling mining company Exxaro’s vision of extending its position in the energy value chain beyond coal.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
International Finance Corporation (loan finance), Hatch (owner’s engineer), Nordex (EPC and O&M) and ALE (delivery of wind turbine generator components).

On Budget and on Time?
The project was slightly behind its original schedule, mainly as a result of delays associated with finalising the project’s connection to the Eskom substation, which is about 18 km from the site.

Contact Details for Project Information
Cennergi, tel +27 12 675 6655 or email comms@cennergi.com.
IFC, tel +1 202 473 3800 or fax +1 202 974 4384.
Hatch, tel +27 21 949 7836.
Nordex corporate communications, Ralf Peters, tel +49 4 300 30 1522, fax +49 40 300 30 1333 or email rpeters@nordex-online.com.
ALE, tel +27 21 842 2762 or fax +27 21 842 0104.