Turbine manufacturer Nordex Energy South Africa (NESA) says an additional 830 MW of operational capacity will start feeding into South Africa’s energy grid by mid-2025.

The company on April 9 announced a 75% increase in its generation capacity in operations, as well as plans to locally manufacture concrete tower sections in the Eastern Cape.

"Our increased commitment in South Africa, including a significant addition to our order book and growing market share, demonstrates our confidence in the renewable energy sector here.

“We're focused on adding valuable energy resources to the country's grid and supporting the broader shift towards sustainable energy, and delivering jobs,” adds NESA head of sales Africa David Moncasi Hortet.

This follows closely on the heels of the financial closure of EDF Renewables’ Korosun 2 cluster, consisting of the Umsobomvu and Hartebeesthoek projects, in the Eastern and Western Cape, which comprises 50 Nordex 5.9 MW turbines with a total capacity of 295 MW. 

Nordex has similarly confirmed its role in supplying 57 Nordex WTG Delta4000 series turbines for a R9-billion cluster of three wind farms, in the Eastern Cape, with a combined capacity of 336 MW.

About 1 400 keystones conforming the 57 towers for this cluster of independent power producers will be produced locally at a newly established manufacturing facility in Humansdorp, situated about 1.5 hours from the Port of Ngqura.

This facility, dedicated to fabricating the 120-m-high towers, is expected to begin operations by June, with the initial turbine installations scheduled for the latter second half of this year.

The subsequent energy delivery to the grid, anticipated in the second half of 2025, will contribute significantly to mitigating the country’s energy shortages, the company says.

NESA is also tasked with the operations and maintenance of these wind farms throughout their 20-year lifespan, underscoring the demand for skilled personnel in the sector.