Rietkloof wind farm is anticipated to generate approximately 585GWh of energy per year.
Image: Supplied
Pioneering African Independent Power Producer, Red Rocket, proudly achieved not one, but two major milestones with the commencement of commercial operations for Rietkloof and Brandvalley Wind Farms. Within 24 hours, the commercial operation dates of both Brandvalley Wind Farm and Rietkloof Wind Farm were certified, formalising operation of both facilities by April 24. This presents an unprecedented double victory for Red Rocket and the country in its quest for sustainable energy security.
Located in close proximity to one another between the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces, Rietkloof and Brandvalley wind farms stand as beacons of renewable energy in South Africa. The two sister projects (along with Wolf wind farm in the Eastern Cape) were awarded Preferred Bidder status in October 2021 under Round five of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) and successfully reached financial close in February 2023.
Featuring 32 Vestas V150-4.5MW wind turbines each, the projects boast a combined nameplate capacity of 288MW (144MW at each site). Rietkloof Wind Farm is anticipated to generate approximately 585GWh of energy per year, with Brandvalley’s expected energy generation set to be approximately 595GWh. This is sufficient to meet the annual energy needs of roughly 367,000
households, while also avoiding the emission of approximately 1,162,300 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (gross).
Red Rocket Chief Operating Officer, Luca Silva, commented: “In what has widely become known as a challenging and extremely competitive bid window round, being awarded Preferred Bidder status for these projects, reaching financial close, navigating construction in tough conditions, and ultimately bringing it all to light is an achievement we’re incredibly proud of. We’re honoured to be the first projects under Round Five to reach commercial operations of only a few projects that were able to reach financial close and power South Africa’s energy future.”
Silva continued: “These milestones are even more remarkable as they come just one month shy of our fifth birthday. This is a testament to us living up to our strapline: Force of Nature.”
Red Rocket led the coordination of construction activities, deploying Vestas wind turbines with local EPC contractors Power Construction and Besamandla responsible for the balance of plant and grid connection of the facilities. The Consortium behind both wind farms, with Red Rocket Energy.
Related Topics: