In a significant move towards energy transition in South Africa, Seriti Resources, a prominent coal producer is taking steps to decarbonize its operating mines in Mpumalanga province by establishing a 155 MW wind farm.
As part of its overarching strategy, which entails a substantial 900 MW renewable energy initiative, the mining company, through its subsidiary Seriti Green, has successfully secured 4.5 billion South African rand (equivalent to $243 million) for the initial phase of 155 MW.
Named Ummbila Emoyeni, the wind farm is slated for construction between the towns of Bethal and Morgenzon in Mpumalanga. Its generated electricity will primarily power Seriti Resources' coal extraction facilities, utilizing the transmission network of the South African state-owned utility Eskom.
Mike Teke, the head of Seriti Resources, emphasizes the company's commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of fossil fuels and facilitating a just transition to a low-carbon economy while ensuring South Africa's energy demands are met. The Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm is projected to slash CO2 emissions by an impressive 5.1 megatonnes annually.
Construction of the wind farm is already underway, with the first megawatt expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2026. Seriti Green plans to further expand its renewable energy portfolio in South Africa by erecting an additional 84 MW wind farm near Bedford, within the Nxuba local municipality in the Eastern Cape province.
