Page 15 - Energize May 2021

NEWS

Another South African wind farm reaches COD challenging circumstances, has been a proud
achievement for us. Our Kenyan wind energy
project, southwest of Nairobi, is already
ioTherm Energy has announced the completion of all four of its renewable energy projects connected to the country’s national grid and
in South Africa, with the latest project having come on stream in the Eastern Cape. The energised, so we expect to have our current
Bcompany’s R6,5-billion investment connects 284 MW into South Africa’s national grid and is portfolio fully operational before the close
partnered by Thebe Investment Corporation (TIC), which has a 37,5% stake in all four projects. of this quarter,” said Robert Skjodt, CEO of
The 123 MW Golden Valley Wind Energy Facility reached commercial operations on 1 May BioTherm Energy, which is majority owned by
2021 and is expected to generate over 477 GWh of renewable power each year, equivalent to the Actis, a leading emerging markets investor.
energy needs of approximately 120 000 households. It joins the 33 MW Excelsior wind energy Golden Valley Wind Energy Facility is
facility, in the Western Cape and two solar PV projects in the Northern Cape, the 46 MW Aggeneys located approximately 5 km from Cookhouse,
Solar and the 86 MW Konkoonsies II Solar, all of which form part of the government’s Renewable on 9000 hectares of farmland. It is connected
Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme’s fourth bid round. to the grid through an on-site substation and
“We are delighted that the Golden Valley project has achieved COD. Thebe’s investment, a dedicated 132 kV power line connecting to
alongside BioTherm Energy, demonstrates a commitment to growing our portfolio of renewable the Kopleegte substation.
energy assets and to contribute positively to our country, and deliver on our mandate of Construction commenced two years ago
“building communities” to make a significant economic impact in South Africa,” commented Sunil and provided jobs for about 500 workers, the
Ramkillawan, CEO of Thebe Energy and Resources. majority of which came from its surrounding
BioTherm Energy’s portfolio extends across South Africa’s boarders into Kenya, where its beneficiary communities within the Blue
fifth renewable energy asset is nearing operations, increasing this pan-African renewable power Crane Route Local Municipal area.
producer’s portfolio close to 400 MW. These are the same communities which
“Bringing four IPPs into operation in South Africa, over the last nine months under will continue to benefit from economic
development programmes, during the 20-
year operations period. The focus will be on
education, skills development, healthcare,
and local enterprise, addressed through
collaboration and partnership with local
stakeholders and members of the community.
“Golden Valley has committed a
percentage of revenue earned to the
community in the form of socio-economic
and enterprise development investments.
We are also in the process of establishing
a Community Trust, which will belong to
the community themselves. Through these
initiatives, we are deeply committed to
investing in areas of real need, and which
result in long term sustainable impact in our
communities,” concluded Robert Skjodt.

Contact Biotherm Energy,
Tel +27 (0) 11 367 4600,
https://biothermenergy.com

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