Earth & Wire, the independent electricity retail brand currently developing over 20 GW of renewable energy projects across multiple provinces in South Africa, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to launch a co-development cooperation with Vestas, the world’s leader in wind power and sustainable energy solutions.
Headquartered in Denmark, Vestas designs, manufactures, installs and services wind turbines, with a current installed base of over 145 GW of wind power capacity in 85 countries.
The agreement forms a key part in the overall development of the portfolio of Earth & Wire renewable energy projects that includes secured land parcels totalling over 400 000 ha in five of South Africa’s provinces.
The portfolio consists of wind, solar, bio-methanol and green hydrogen, battery storage and bio-mass project opportunities with a potential of up to 17 GW of wind power capacity, at various stages of development.
In terms of the agreement, Vestas will install and commission meteorological measurement masts; collect wind data for analysis and calculations of annual energy yields; offer state-of-the-art turbine technology solutions, best suited to the climate conditions of each site; provide wind and site development services, establish fully optimised wind farm layouts, provide the wind farm EPC supply and construction services comprising of wind turbines, balance of plant, as well as long-term operation and maintenance services.
Demetri Pappadopoulos, Earth & Wire’s founder says, “Our partnership with Vestas is not only a world-class endorsement of our long-term business plan; it represents a vital alignment with our brand values and ethics. At Earth & Wire, we are committed to providing an affordable and secure source of clean electricity for all South Africans. Like us, the leadership at Vestas has pledged to a carbon-neutral and fully sustainable future and value chain. With the world’s leading turbine manufacturer investing in our long-term strategy, we see it as a huge vote of confidence in South Africa’s future.”
Tommy Garner, Earth & Wire’s Business Development Executive adds: “Beyond providing a secure source of renewable energy, we have a responsibility to transform South Africa from a fossil fuel energy economy to a clean energy economy. Through a large-scale, visible project pipeline, localisation of certain parts of the wind value chain become more viable and with a leading technology partner like Vestas, we can make a real and measurable impact, especially within the coal belt, in line with our stated commitment to developing proper skills that will result in thousands of new jobs.”
Jose Luis Jimeno, Vestas’ President for the Mediterranean & Africa region confirms: “Building further on Vestas’ success in the South African REIPPPP auctions with over 1000 MW installed and serviced we are looking forward to the significant further growth potential in the private offtake market, including the mining sector where there is a great opportunity to re-skill people into new and clean energy. The partnership with Earth & Wire plays an essential role in this context.”
Iñigo Sabater, Vestas’ Vice President for EMEA & LATAM Global Development states: “We are very pleased to join forces with Earth & Wire to develop together high-quality projects that will contribute to cover the energy and decarbonizations needs of South Africa. Through this partnership we confirm Vestas’ interest to start investing in project development, complementing our existing facilities in South Africa.”
Within the greater context of the energy challenges currently facing South Africa, this partnership signals a very positive move within the energy industry in South Africa.
Contact Thomas Garner, Earth & Wire, Phone 084 625-3597, thomas@earthandwire.com
