EDF Energies Nouvelles takes a position on the wind power market in South Africa

The Chaba (20.6 MW), Waainek (23.3 MW) and Grassridge (59.8 MW) wind projects are located in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. They will be equipped with Vestas turbines, with a unit power of 3 MW. Their construction should begin in 2013 for commissioning by the end of 2014. Financing will be concluded by the end of 2012.

With the desire to take advantage of very favorable sun and wind conditions, the South African authorities have planned to develop an installed base of 3,725 MW of renewable energy by 2016. As part of this policy, the South African government has launched a major call for tenders, consisting of several phases, for the award of solar, biomass, hydro and wind projects throughout the country.

“ We are very happy with this selection and the opportunity given to us to contribute to the development of wind power in South Africa. », declares Fabienne Demol, Director of New Affairs at EDF Energies Nouvelles. “ This new success demonstrates EDF EN's ability to develop projects that perfectly meet local constraints and needs while maintaining the same level of requirements, quality and profitability as for all the group's other investments. »

Continuing its development strategy and in order to participate in the different phases of the South African call for tenders, EDF Energies Nouvelles joined forces in 2011 with the local developer InnoWind, from which it took 80% of the capital, as well as other partners, including an organization allowing local communities to benefit from the benefits of the projects. The completion of these projects in South Africa, of which InnoWind holds 60%, allows EDF Energies Nouvelles to strengthen its geographical presence in a new country offering the guarantees, visibility and prospects sought by EDF EN and which contribute to the strength of its growth model.

* “preferred bidder”, that is to say the candidate whose offer was accepted.