Mpumalanga, Monday 3 February 2025 – Seriti Green’s Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility in Bethal, Mpumalanga takes a major step forward this week when nine turbines, including 27 blades and other components are transported from Richards Bay Port along the N2.
These will be moved beginning today, the convoy, managed by Vanguard, will be 335m long and take three days to complete.
Each turbine consists of 12 components, and special trucks are used to move a single turbine blade from the port to the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility. Road modifications along the N2 have been implemented to ensure that the turbine blades can be transported safely.
The arrival of the turbine blades and their components moves the wind energy facility into a critical construction phase because once installed and connected, it will pave the way for renewable energy generation.
Once operational, the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility first phase is expected to offset 500,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Mike Teke, Group CEO of Seriti Resources and Chairman of Seriti Green, said, “ This future contribution to South Africa’s climate commitments will powerfully demonstrate our leadership in building a more diversified and sustainable energy landscape. The project will also bolster the nation’s energy security by increasing generation capacity, contributing to a more stable and secure electricity supply.”
In addition to energy generation, the project has begun to create jobs in the community. Over the past two years, just over 1,000 people have been employed by Seriti Green and onsite contractors.
Seriti Green Chief Executive, Peter Venn, said “Seriti Green is delighted with the progress of the project. Of the over 1000 people employed at the Wind Energy Facility 586 people (58.6%) come from local communities. Digitally Seriti Green has registered over 17, 000 jobseekers, achieving a 50/50 gender split. This highlights our commitment to fostering diversity while providing much-needed employment opportunities.”
Seriti Green is also transitioning former mine staff into renewable energy roles, providing opportunities for individuals to transfer their skills into new industries. This innovative approach ensures that those who have spent years powering South Africa’s energy sector can continue to play a key role in its sustainable future.
Speaking on behalf of Vanguard, Ryan Hosking said, “Our South African team has been planning and preparing for the port handling and transportation for these wind turbines for over a year. This is a complex engineering and logistical operation, and our experience over the past 15 years in the wind energy sector has placed us in good stead to execute this project safely and efficiently.”
The initial turbines will arrive in Bethal, Mpumalanga later this week and conveys will continue until all turbine components have been delivered.
For more information, please contact:
Seriti Green
