News from 2017-10-20 / DEG
Green energy from South African wind
DEG is cofinancing two new wind farms in the South African Nordkap province. A total of 122 wind turbines have now been successfully installed at the “Khobab” and “Loeriesfontein 2” wind farms and will soon be connected to the grid.
Green energy for over 220,000 households
Altogether the wind power plants will generate more than a million megawatt hours of renewable energy annually and will thus supply power to more than 220,000 South African households. One million tonnes less of CO2 will be produced compared to power generation from conventional means.
The wind farms were designed by the project developer, South Africa Mainstream Renewable Power, while the South African company Murray & Roberts and Siemens will operate them. DEG is investing in the project through the “Lereko Metier Sustainable Capital Funds Trust” of its long-term partner Metier, in cooperation with the Dutch development bank, FMO. Further investors include South African investment companies and funds specialising in infrastructure projects: Lekela Power, Thebe Investment Corporation, IDEAS Fund, Futuregrowth Asset Management and Genesis Eco Energy. The overall investment volume is around ZAR 7.4 billion.
DEG to support community programme
South Africa Mainstream Renewable Power aims to work successfully with local communities at both sites and support various social projects. In Loeriesfontein the company is setting up a programme to help reduce alcohol and drug abuse. DEG is backing the project with its Business Support Services and equipping it with funds from the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (“Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, BMZ”). A local non-governmental organisation has been established that conducts various preventative measures, trains volunteers, advises addicts and their families and offers leisure activities.
Expansion of renewable energies in South Africa
Both wind farms were developed within the framework of the REIPPP programme (Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Program). The goal of this programme – launched by the government of South Africa in 2011 – is to expand capacity for generating power, create jobs and boost the share of renewable energies within South Africa’s energy mix.
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