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Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, joined by Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul, visited the Umsobomvu Wind Farm near Middelburg in the Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality this week, marking a major step in South Africa’s shift to renewable energy.
The project has now reached Commercial Operation Date (COD) and is generating 140 megawatts (MW) of power, adding to the country’s growing clean energy supply. Officials say the wind farm signals that the transition to renewable energy is already underway and no longer a future goal.
Mabuyane said the project goes beyond electricity generation, highlighting its role in job creation, skills development, and community upliftment. He said renewable energy investments must deliver lasting benefits for local communities.
The development follows the recent completion of the Mooi Plaats Solar PV project in the Northern Cape, which produces 240MW. Together, the two projects form part of the Koruson 2 energy cluster, with 380MW of the planned 520MW already operational. Government says this will help strengthen energy security while supporting a more sustainable energy mix.
Earlier in the week, stakeholders met in Middelburg to prepare for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to guide cooperation on the wider Koruson Cluster. The meeting included government, municipalities, and private sector partners such as EDF Power Solutions, alongside the Chris Hani District Municipality and South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
Discussions focused on aligning roles, improving coordination, and ensuring the projects deliver economic benefits, including jobs, skills training, and opportunities for small businesses.
Government says the combination of infrastructure progress and coordinated planning reflects a focus on delivery and accountability. As the Koruson Cluster expands, it is expected to play a key role in advancing clean energy while supporting development in affected communities.
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