Independent power producer Earth & Wire has signed a letter of intent to launch a co-development cooperation programme with wind power manufacturer Vestas as a key part in the overall development of Earth & Wire's portfolio of renewable energy projects in South Africa.

The portfolio comprises wind, solar, biomethanol and green hydrogen, battery storage and biomass project opportunities.

Within the greater context of the energy challenges currently facing South Africa, this partnership signals a positive move within the energy industry in South Africa, Earth & Wire says.

In terms of the agreement, Vestas will install and commission meteorological measurement masts, collect wind data for analysis and calculations of annual energy yields, offer state-of-the-art turbine technology solutions best suited to the climate conditions of each site, provide wind and site development services and establish fully-optimised wind farm layouts, as well as provide the wind farm engineering, procurement and construction supply and construction services comprising of wind turbines, balance of plant, as well as long-term operation and maintenance services.

Earth & Wire is currently developing more than 20 GW of renewable energy projects, including on secured land parcels totalling more than 400 000 ha across the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and the Free State. Vestas has a current installed base of more than 145 GW of wind power capacity in 85 countries.

“Our partnership with Vestas is not only a world-class endorsement of our long-term business plan, it also represents a vital alignment with our brand values and ethics. At Earth & Wire, we are committed to providing an affordable and secure source of clean electricity for all South Africans,” says Earth & Wire founder Demetri Pappadopoulos.

“Like us, the leadership at Vestas has pledged to a carbon-neutral and fully sustainable future and value chain. With the world’s leading turbine manufacturer investing in our long-term strategy, we see it as a huge vote of confidence in South Africa’s future,” he adds.

Building further on Vestas’ success in the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme auctions with more than 1 000 MW installed and serviced, Vestas is looking forward to the significant further growth potential in the private offtake market, including the mining sector, where there is a great opportunity to re-skill people into new and clean energy. The partnership with Earth & Wire plays an essential role in this context, Vestas Mediterranean and Africa region president Jose Luis Jimeno comments.

“We are very pleased to join forces with Earth & Wire to develop, together, high-quality projects that will contribute to cover the energy and decarbonisation needs of South Africa. Through this partnership, we confirm Vestas’ interest to start investing in project development, complementing our existing facilities in South Africa,” Vestas Europe, Middle East and Africa and Latin America global development VP Iñigo Sabater says.