EDF-EN commissions first South Africa project

SOUTH AFRICA: EDF Energies Nouvelles (EDF-EN) has commissioned the 61.5MW Grassridge project in South Africa, its first in the country.

by David Weston 30 January 2015

EDF-EN's 61.5MW Grassridge project uses Vestas V112 turbines (credit: EDF Energies Nouvelles)

EDF-EN's local subsidiary InnoWind developed the project, located in the Eastern Cape provice, southeast of the country.

Grassridge uses 20 Vestas V112 turbines with an individual capacity of 3.075MW.

The project is 60% owned by InnoWind, which in turn is 80% owned by EDF-EN. The remaining 40% of the project is owned by local partners, EDF-EN said.

It is the first of three projects being developed by EDF-EN in the province. The group was awarded the license to develop the projects from the South African government in 2012. It is also currently constructing the Chaba, and Waainek projects.

Part of the tender process means some of the profits from the project will be used to promote enterprise in the local community.