Construction will start soon on a new 140 MW wind energy project following finalisation of a purchase power agreement (PPA) to supply mining company Sibanye-Stillwater.

The Umsinde Emoyeni wind farm, located on the border between the Northern Cape and Western Cape near Murraysburg, is scheduled to reach commercial operation towards the end of 2026.

The project will supply Sibanye-Stillwater’s South African operations using the national grid through a secured wheeling agreement with Eskom.

The project will be fully funded by a project consortium under a 20-year PPA with Sibanye-Stillwater, which will build, own and operate the project. The consortium is led by African Clean Energy Developments (ACED) and Energy Infrastructure Management Services (EIMS) Africa – both African infrastructure investment managers specialising in renewable energy project development, delivery and asset management. Reatile Renewables is also a shareholder in the consortium.

This project, together with Sibanye-Stillwater’s three other previously announced PPAs (including the ACEDEIMS-IDEAS Castle wind farm), brings the total dedicated capacity of renewable energy projects in construction for Sibanye-Stillwater’s exclusive use to 407 MW and secures 70% of its long-term energy requirements in South Africa.

“Financial close of the Umsinde Emoyeni wind farm marks another critical step in our journey to carbon neutrality by 2040. We continue to develop and execute energy solutions that contribute to the delivery of our strategy,” says CEO Neal Froneman.

Sibanye-Stillwater specialises in the production of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold and the refining of iridium and ruthenium as well as nickel, chrome, copper and cobalt.