By Faridat Salifu
Enel Green Power, an Italian independent power producer, has commenced work on the Impofu wind farms in South Africa, marking a significant step towards decarbonizing the Secunda industrial complex.
The project targets to power the Secunda oxygen plant and provide 330 MW capacity electricity in the area upon completion.
This ambitious initiative, it was gathered is aimed at reducing carbon emissions through collaborative effort between Enel Green Power and various stakeholders.
The project will see the installation of 57 onshore wind turbines across three sites including: Impofu East, Impofu West, and Impofu North.
Scheduled for operation by 2026, the wind farms, according to reports, will be supported by eight high-voltage substations and 120 km of 132 kV overhead power lines.
The electricity generated by these wind farms will primarily serve the 16 air separation units (ASUs) operated by French industrial group Air Liquide in the Mpumalanga province.
Enel Green Power has solidified its commitment to sustainable development by securing a framework agreement with South African public utility Eskom for transit to the Secunda industrial site.
This agreement not only enhances the capacity of the South African grid but also underscores Enel’s dedication to creating Shared Value (CSV) within local communities.
The construction of the Impofu wind farms aligns with a broader vision shared by Air Liquide and Sasol to decarbonize the Secunda complex. In pursuit of this goal, the two entities issued a call for tenders in 2021 for the acquisition of 600 MW of renewable energy.
Enel Green Power, alongside French energy company TotalEnergies and South African IPP Mulilo Energy Holdings, emerged as key suppliers, collectively contributing 260 MW of clean electricity through wind and solar photovoltaic plants.
This collaborative endeavor signifies a significant milestone in South Africa’s journey towards sustainability, demonstrating the power of partnerships and renewable energy solutions in combating climate change and fostering economic development.