Seriti Green's Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility in Bethal, Mpumalanga has taken a major step forward with the transportation of nine turbines — including 27 blades and other components — from Richards Bay Port along the N2. The move started Monday, 3 February.
The convoy, managed by Vanguard, will be 335m long and take three days to complete, says Seriti Green.
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, says the company.
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, adds the company.
According to the company, 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, says, "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, adds Seriti Green.
Seriti Green Chief Executive, Peter Venn, says, "Seriti Green is delighted with the progress of the project. Of the over 1 000 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 says that it 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 says, "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 convoys will continue until all turbine components have been delivered, concludes Seriti Green.
For more information, visit www.seritigreen.com. You can also follow Seriti Green on LinkedIn.
*Image courtesy of contributor