Vestas, the world leader in wind energy, is pleased to have been chosen as the preferred wind turbine supplier to two wind energy projects that have been awarded Preferred Bidders status by the South African government in its first round of renewable energy tenders. The announcement was made on December 7 at COP17 in Durban.
Vestas is the preferred supplier to the following projects:
- Hopefield, 65.40MW, Developer: Umoya
- Noblesfontein, 72.75MW, Developer: Gestamp/South African Renewable Green Energy (SARGE), Shanduka
Now, Vestas and the project developers have six months to negotiate and finalize wind turbine supply and maintenance contracts. Once these agreements have been concluded, Vestas looks forward to taking the next steps in South Africa, and fulfilling its commitments and obligations to support sustainable economic and social development in the country.
“With today’s announcement, we are pleased to have the opportunity to continue playing a strong role in South Africa’s wind energy sector,” says James White, Account Manager for Vestas Southern Africa. “Vestas recognizes that its role in developing the wind energy sector in South Africa brings an obligation to build skills and know-how among its employees. This obligation will be met through Vestas’ integrated education, training and career opportunity structure that will help to develop and train a workforce that meets the skills requirements of the renewable energy industry on a provincial and national level.”
As South Africa’s wind energy projects start up, Vestas will begin to hire and develop employees to execute the projects and provide ongoing service and maintenance to the wind turbines, as well as identifying and developing local suppliers to provide transportation, installation and other services.
As well, Vestas and its partners will support broader developmental goals in the communities where it operates and across South Africa, through engaging in community development as a fundamental part of each project.
Wind turbine suppliers and the other partners engaged in South African wind energy projects can play a strong role in ensuring that these projects contribute to economic development, community development and sustainability in South Africa. In particular, Vestas has worked closely and will continue to work with the Danish Embassy in Pretoria and other Danish partners to build the framework for South Africa’s future wind energy sector.
Vestas will be participating fully in the subsequent rounds of renewables tenders in South Africa.
Vestas has been active in South Africa for 10 years, and opened an office serving Southern and Eastern Africa in 2010. Vestas is committed to South Africa for the long term and committed to the sustainable development of the South African wind energy sector through sharing its 30 years of experience and knowledge.
