The development of Seriti Green’s Ummbila Emoyeni wind energy facility in Bethal, Mpumalanga, has entered a critical phase with the transportation of turbine components from the Richards Bay port to the project site. The convoy, managed by Vanguard, consists of nine turbines, including 27 blades and other key components and is expected to take three days to complete the journey along the N2.

Each turbine comprises 12 components, including 91 metre-long blades that require specially modified trucks for transport. Road adjustments along the route have been implemented to accommodate the oversized cargo, ensuring safe delivery to the construction site.

Once the turbine components are installed and connected to the grid, the wind farm is expected to contribute to South Africa’s renewable energy mix with the first phase projected to offset 500 000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

The facility will supply at least 75% of Seriti Coal’s electricity needs. Additionally, once operational, it is expected to generate electricity for 500 000 homes, feeding power into Eskom’s grid.

A logistical and engineering feat

Transporting the turbines presents a logistical challenge. The convoy transporting the tower sections extends 335 metres with individual turbine components varying in weight and size:

• Blades: 91m long and 33 tons each
• Tower sections: Up to 25m long with the bottom section weighing 83 tons
• Hub assembly: 4,9m x 4,5m x 4,1m and 59,2 tons
• Nacelle: 10,7m x 4,9m x 4,2m and 39,6 tons
• Drivetrain: 7,9m x 3,6m x 3,4m and 93 tons
• Erected turbine height: 221m (130m tower plus blades)

Vanguard, which is overseeing the logistics, has spent over a year planning for the transport and handling of the turbines. "This is a complex engineering and logistical operation and our experience over the past 15 years in the wind energy sector has placed us in good stead to execute this project safely and efficiently," says Ryan Hosking.

Seriti Green Chief Executive Peter Venn says: "Of the over 1 000 people employed at the wind energy facility, 586 people or 58,6% come from local communities." Additionally, Seriti Green has implemented a skills transition programme to facilitate the movement of former coal industry workers into renewable energy roles.

The Ummbila Emoyeni wind energy facility, a R4,8 billion investment, is the first of its kind in Mpumalanga and one of South Africa’s largest wind projects.

The transport of turbine components will continue in phases until all elements are delivered to the site. Construction is expected to accelerate as installations progress, bringing the project closer to its operational phase, the energy company said in a statement.