President Cyril Ramaphosa will next week officiate the start of commercial operations at a 155MW wind energy facility in Mpumalanga, in a move expected to add renewable generation capacity to South Africa's electricity system.
The President will officially mark the commencement of operations at the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility near Bethal on Friday, 31 July 2026.
The facility's launch comes as South Africa continues efforts to strengthen energy security, expand electricity generation capacity and accelerate the country's transition towards a more diversified energy mix.
The first phase of the project will generate 155MW of wind power and forms part of a planned 900MW renewable energy programme.
Located in Mpumalanga, traditionally South Africa's energy-producing heartland, the project is being positioned as an example of the country's Just Energy Transition, combining renewable energy generation with investment in transmission infrastructure and regional economic development.
The project also includes commitments to local supplier participation, skills development, employment opportunities and community investment.
The commencement of commercial operations comes three years after the investment commitment linked to the Seriti Green project was announced at the South African Investment Conference.
The milestone is expected to highlight the role of public-private partnerships and private investment in translating commitments made at investment conferences into operational infrastructure capable of contributing to the country's long-term economic growth.
The project brings together government, private-sector investors and local communities, with the broader programme expected to increase renewable electricity generation while supporting infrastructure development and economic activity in the region. – SAnews.gov.za
