Following the winning of 3 Koruson 1 projects on the Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP) Bid Window 5 projects, EDF Renewables in South Africa achieved financial and commercial close on two of the projects, Phezukomoya and San Kraal, totalling 280 MW, on 10 November 2022. This step represents the first wind energy deals to reach conclusion since Round 4 of the REIPPP in 2018.

After the signing of the 20-year PPAs with South African electricity public utility Eskom, and the signing of the Implementation Agreement with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) on 22 September 2022, this milestone means that all stakeholders are aligned, and construction of the wind farms located in the Umsombomvu Local Municipality, on the boundary of the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape Provinces, will begin.

EDF Renewables’ remaining REIPPP Bid Window 5 Koruson 1 project, Coleskop, is expected to reach financial close before the end of January 2023. When the final deal reaches closure, the three projects, each with installed capacities of 140 MW, totaling 420 MW, will commence at the boundaries of the Eastern and Northern Cape provinces. The three wind farms' low-carbon renewable electricity produced each year will help meet the electricity needs of approximately 193 000 South African households.

Each project will comprise 26 wind turbines, with a height of 124m and a blade length of 83m. EDF Renewables will also be constructing the Koruson Main Transmission Substation (MTS) on behalf of Eskom, under a self-build agreement (SBA), which will be transferred to Eskom upon completion.

The projects will sell power to Eskom under a 20-year PPA. In addition, the Koruson Main Transmission Substation will be constructed on behalf of Eskom and transferred to Eskom on completion.

These projects will provide 2230 job-years, which includes 400 full-time jobs to South African citizens during the construction period of two years, and 35 full-time jobs during the operating period of twenty years. Approximately 40% of the project value will comprise local content, and during operations, 1,2% of revenue generated by the projects will be applied to socio-economic development initiatives for nearby local communities.