Significant Milestone Achieved as Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm Opens in South Africa

Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm's First Phase Operational

The first phase of the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm, the largest in South Africa to date, has officially commenced operations, representing a pivotal moment in the country's efforts towards a fair energy transition. Developed by Seriti Green and utilizing 25 state-of-the-art Goldwind GWH182-6.2 MW turbines, this wind farm boasts a total capacity of 155 MW. Notably, these turbines feature the largest rotor diameter currently deployed in any operational wind project throughout South Africa, measuring an impressive 183.5 meters.

The inauguration ceremony saw the attendance of various dignitaries, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng, and top executives from Seriti Green and Goldwind. This event highlighted the project's importance not only in terms of renewable energy production but also for its contributions to local economic development and job creation.

The Ummbila project is integrated as part of a larger hub dedicated to renewable energy, which also aims for a total of 750 MW from wind power, 150 MW from solar photovoltaic sources, and 800 MWh of energy storage capabilities. The subsequent phases of the project are already underway, targeting completion by 2027, thereby establishing itself as a foundation for South Africa’s clean energy future.

During the ceremony, President Ramaphosa underscored the significance of such projects in pushing the nation towards a sustainable developmental agenda. He commended Goldwind's role in achieving this critical milestone, stating that the wind farm is steering South Africa's economy towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient pathway, aligning with both national and international sustainability commitments.

Ambassador Wu Peng emphasized the international collaboration between China and South Africa, noting that the successful completion of this project symbolizes productive bilateral cooperation. Moreover, Peter Venn, CEO of Seriti Green, praised Goldwind for its instrumental partnership and expressed excitement to deepen this collaboration in future project phases.

Additionally, a cooperation agreement for phase four was signed during the inauguration, reinforcing the long-term strategic partnership between Goldwind and Seriti Green. Cao Zhigang, Chairman of Goldwind, also acknowledged the support from the South African government and partners involved, arguing that the early operational status of this phase is a testament to the trust and cooperative spirit established throughout the project duration. He added that the value of the Ummbila site extends beyond merely providing clean energy; it serves as a strategic initiative that aids in local job creation and community development while ensuring reliable energy supply.

As the first operational wind farm in Mpumalanga, it has successfully passed rigorous tests for grid connection at both provincial and national levels. The adaptability of the GWH182 turbines to the region's high-altitude wind conditions and frequent storms has been a noteworthy feature, equipped with intelligent control platforms to ensure safety and efficiency even under extreme weather.

The initial phase of construction has created over 1,200 jobs, with expectations to reach 2,000 during peak activity across the entire hub. This wind farm is set to generate approximately 480,000 MWh annually, enough to power around 500,000 homes and reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 400,000 tons every year. Notably, more than 50% of the roles available in the wind energy sector require skills similar to those previously present in the coal industry, providing a practical avenue for local workers transitioning away from fossil fuel jobs.

Goldwind has established a local SCADA monitoring center as well as a dedicated spare parts platform, committing to 24/7 operational support and maintenance. Furthermore, in 2025, Goldwind opened a dedicated training center in Cape Town to bolster local capacities in safety, drone inspections, and predictive maintenance.

Having firm roots in South Africa since 2010, Goldwind remains committed to the charge, “In Africa, for Africa.” With the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm and others in the pipeline, it is expected that the company’s installed capacity in South Africa will exceed 2.2 GW by the second quarter of 2027. For further information, visit Goldwind.