SOUTH AFRICA – Vestas, the Danish wind turbine manufacturer, has successfully secured an order to supply 108 MW wind turbines for the Witberg Wind Farm, situated in Western Cape, South Africa.
This wind energy endeavor is spearheaded by the local independent power producer Red Rocket.
The recent turbine acquisition by Red Rocket from Vestas builds upon its initial procurement of 373 MW in wind turbines in March of the previous year for the Brandvalley, Rietkloof, and Wolf wind projects, strategically situated in Western Cape and Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Vestas disclosed that the fresh agreement with Red Rocket encompasses the delivery and installation of 24 V136-4.5 MW wind turbines, coupled with a 15-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) contract.
Matteo Brambilla, CEO of Red Rocket, expressed the significance of this project, noting, “This project will be the largest private wind farm constructed in South Africa to date, and it will contribute significantly to South Africa’s energy landscape.”
He added that Sibanye Stillwater is the private off-taker for this historic venture, emphasizing their belief in Vestas as a strategic partner for this transformative initiative.
Brambilla sees renewable energy, particularly wind power, as pivotal for fostering a sustainable and greener future for the region.
Vestas outlined its plan to complete turbine delivery by the second half of 2024, with commissioning scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.
Novani Ganess-Johnson, Managing Director at Vestas, expressed gratitude to Red Rocket for their confidence in Vestas’ 4MW platform.
He highlighted the versatility of their portfolio, affirming its contribution to South Africa’s energy transition, and emphasized the paramount role of wind power in achieving a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy mix.
Vestas presently leads the South African wind power market with a capacity exceeding 1.4 GW, inclusive of both installed and under-construction projects.
Second offshore wind factory in Poland
In a separate development, Vestas recently unveiled plans to establish a new blade factory in Szczecin, Poland, marking its second factory in the country.
The facility, situated close to the company’s assembly plant, is poised to support European and global demand. With this addition, Vestas anticipates employing over 2500 individuals in Poland.
The new factory is slated to commence operations in 2026 and will manufacture blades for Vestas’ flagship offshore wind turbine, the V236-15.0 MW.
This model will feature prominently in the construction of Poland’s inaugural offshore wind farm, the 1.2 GW Baltic Power Project, expected to go online in 2026.
Vestas underscores that its manufacturing strategy prioritizes markets with long-term certainty around market conditions.
The move into Poland aligns with the country’s ongoing transformation of its energy system, making it an attractive hub for both onshore and offshore wind projects, supported by a skilled workforce and a burgeoning wind industry.
Vestas’ commitment to the region is exemplified by the anticipation of creating green jobs and investments with its offshore wind projects.
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